The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a social media user identified as Innocent Chukwuma, known online as @TheAgroman, for allegedly urging the Nigerian Armed Forces to overthrow the civilian government.
According to a reports, the DSS said Chukwuma’s posts called on the military to “suspend the Nigerian government” and “dispose of” the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also accused the government of “selling the country to the West” and claimed Western intelligence agencies were influencing Nigeria’s security operations.
Chukwuma was traced to Oyigbo, Rivers State, where he was apprehended. The DSS said he is cooperating with investigators, though it remains unclear whether formal charges, such as treason or incitement have been filed.
Rumours of Coup Plot and Independence Day Parade Cancellation
The arrest comes amid swirling speculation of a coup attempt following the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade on October 1.
Several reports suggested the parade was scrapped due to alleged threats of a military takeover. However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly denied any such plot, saying the decision was made for “strategic reasons,” including the President’s engagement in diplomatic activities.
The DHQ further clarified that the arrest of 16 military officers, reported earlier this month, was linked to “professional misconduct” rather than coup planning, according to Daily Trust and Daily Struggle.
Tinubu Replaces Service Chiefs Amid Speculation
In a dramatic move on October 24, President Tinubu dismissed and replaced Nigeria’s top military commanders, including the Chiefs of Defence, Army, Navy, and Air Staff in what the Presidency described as part of ongoing reforms in the security sector.
A statement from the Presidential Office confirmed the appointments took “immediate effect.” The shake-up followed weeks of heightened speculation about internal military discontent, though no direct link has been established between the changes and the alleged coup rumours.
Civil society groups, however, have questioned the timing. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) urged the government to “tell Nigerians the truth” behind the sudden dismissals, while others welcomed the move as overdue.
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and several civil society coalitions hailed the decision as necessary, citing poor performance in combating insecurity. Youth groups from the North-East also supported the reshuffle but called for broader reforms, including a review of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
What the Developments Reveal
The convergence of these events, an arrest for coup incitement, persistent rumours, and an unexpected military leadership overhaul, signifies growing unease within Nigeria’s security and political systems.
Analysts say the DSS’s swift action and the DHQ’s repeated denials reflect a government intent on controlling the narrative and avoiding panic. Yet, the opacity surrounding the investigations and reshuffle continues to raise questions about internal stability.
While there is no public evidence of an organised coup plot, the perception of instability itself poses challenges for governance and investor confidence in Africa’s largest democracy.
