Ex-CDS Reveals He Was Marked for Arrest in Alleged Coup Plot as Military Moves to Prosecute Officers

A former Chief of Defence Staff has revealed that he was among those allegedly targeted during a suspected coup plot uncovered by the Nigerian military.

Speaking during a television interview, the minister, who previously served as CDS, disclosed that plans were allegedly made to arrest him, with orders to shoot him if he resisted. The Kaduna-born officer said the threat against him was real and well-known within security circles.

In October, the Armed Forces confirmed the arrest of 16 officers over acts of misconduct and violations of military regulations. However, further investigations later uncovered more serious allegations, including claims that some of the detained officers were involved in plans to overthrow the government.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, authorities have now concluded preliminary findings. Officers with sufficient evidence against them will be charged before a competent military tribunal and tried under the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service laws.

The alleged plot is believed to have gone beyond military circles, with reports suggesting that several senior government officials and prominent figures were marked as targets. The incident has also been linked to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade.

In a related development, the residence of former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was reportedly searched following alleged connections to the suspected plot.

Reacting to the development, the minister dismissed the alleged plotters as lacking seriousness, questioning how they believed they could challenge the Nigerian Armed Forces.

He added that Nigerians themselves would have resisted any attempt to return the country to military rule, noting the nation’s long history of opposing coups. He stressed that Nigeria’s democratic culture, restored in 1999 after decades of military interventions, remains deeply rooted.

The suspected coup attempt comes amid a wave of military takeovers and failed plots across parts of West Africa, including a recent attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic.