By CoolNews Nigeria Investigative Desk
In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s defence and political circles, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major shake-up in the country’s military command structure. The decision, which saw General Olufemi Oluyede appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to replace General Christopher Musa, comes amid growing speculation of a foiled coup attempt reportedly uncovered by intelligence agencies in recent weeks.
According to multiple credible sources within the Presidency and the Defence Headquarters who spoke to CoolNews Nigeria under strict anonymity, the development followed discreet investigations into “unusual movements and communications” among certain senior and mid-ranking military officers believed to have been disgruntled with recent administrative and policy decisions of the current government.
Intelligence Trail and Preventive Action
It was gathered that Nigeria’s intelligence community—comprising the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)—had been monitoring suspicious interactions and secret meetings allegedly held by a handful of officers over the past month.
Sources within the DSS revealed that preliminary intelligence pointed to “coordinated discontent” and possible plans to exploit growing public frustration over economic hardship and insecurity to destabilize the government.
Upon receiving the report, President Tinubu was said to have convened an emergency closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa with the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. The meeting, which lasted several hours, reportedly discussed “disciplinary restructuring and loyalty realignment” within the military command.
Shortly after, orders were issued for an immediate reorganization of the top military hierarchy, leading to the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede, a career officer reputed for discipline and strategic intelligence experience, as the new Defence Chief.
Inside Sources Speak on the Coup Speculation
A senior military source confided to CoolNews Nigeria that the move was necessary to “nip potential sabotage in the bud.”
“Certain elements were beginning to test the limits of military discipline. The intelligence services acted swiftly, and the President’s decision to reshuffle the top brass was both preventive and symbolic—it reinforces that loyalty to the Constitution remains non-negotiable,” the source stated.
Other sources hinted that a number of senior officers have been quietly redeployed, while some are currently under discreet investigation by the Defence Intelligence Directorate for possible involvement in “activities inconsistent with military ethics.”
Official Response and Public Assurance
In a brief statement released late Thursday night by the Presidential Media Adviser, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Presidency described the changes as “a continuation of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national security framework and reposition the Armed Forces for greater efficiency.”
Although the statement made no mention of a coup plot, it emphasized the administration’s “unwavering commitment to democratic governance, stability, and professional military conduct.”
Meanwhile, the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, has been directed to assume duty immediately and is expected to prioritize internal cohesion, intelligence coordination, and renewed discipline within the Armed Forces.
Public Reaction and Political Interpretation
Political commentators and security analysts have described the reshuffle as a “timely intervention” by the President. Some view it as a calculated move to consolidate control and restore public confidence in the security system amid mounting challenges from insurgency, banditry, and economic tension.
Civil society groups have also lauded the President’s proactive approach, while urging transparency in handling any officer found complicit in anti-democratic activities.
As of press time, there has been no official confirmation of arrests or detentions related to the alleged coup attempt. However, CoolNews Nigeria reliably gathered that tight surveillance has been placed on a few military installations, especially within Abuja and Kaduna axis, as part of heightened security measures.
President Tinubu is expected to address the nation on national security reforms in the coming days.
CoolNews Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as this sensitive story unfolds.
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