Pro-Democracy Group Urges Release of Detained Soldiers Over Alleged Coup Plot

A pro-democracy group in Nigeria has appealed to President Tinubu to consider releasing military officers detained over an alleged coup plot in October 2025. The group expressed concerns about the deteriorating health of the officers and their prolonged detention without trial.

The former Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had announced the arrest of 16 military officers for breaching military regulations and acts of indiscipline. While initial reports suggested the officers were detained over career grievances, later reports indicated their alleged involvement in a failed coup plot following the cancellation of an Independence Day parade on October 1, 2025.

The group highlighted the serious illness of one of the detained officers, Yusuf Musa Dauda, who allegedly did not receive adequate medical attention. The group condemned any attempts to overthrow the democratically elected government and urged relevant authorities to ensure the detained officers receive proper medical care and access to their families.