Why DHQ avoided labelling foiled plot a Coup — Report

Fresh details have emerged regarding the government’s cautious public communication strategy following the recent uncovering of an alleged coup plot by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), with a senior legal luminary in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet reportedly advising authorities against publicly labelling the incident a coup.

PRNigeria gathered that this legal advice was issued shortly after internal intelligence operatives of the DHQ detected what was initially believed to be a coordinated plan by some military personnel and their civilian sponsors to destabilise the government.

The legal professional, described as one of the Presidency’s most respected advisers on constitutional and security matters, reportedly warned that prematurely labelling the incident a “coup” could have serious legal, psychological, and operational consequences.

“The counsel from the Presidency was very clear,” a security source told PRNigeria. “He said we must avoid sensational language until investigations are complete.

“Once you call it a coup, you set off panic, alert potential accomplices, and make legal proceedings much harder to sustain.”

The counsel stressed that investigators needed to gather incontrovertible evidence before any public pronouncement, noting that hasty declarations could compromise ongoing surveillance and prosecution efforts.

PRNigeria also learned that the caution was partly intended to prevent suspected collaborators—both within and outside the military—from fleeing once the story broke.

Intelligence operatives were still tracing communication links and financial flows connected to the detained officers at the time.

The military was also keen to ensure the psychological and mental health of the detained personnel were thoroughly evaluated before concluding that the conspiracy was genuine, especially since many had a history of disciplinary issues.

“The military was handling the issue discreetly to protect institutional integrity,” an official explained, adding: “The deliberate restraint was a strategic decision…

“The leadership didn’t want to create unnecessary tension in the polity or send wrong signals to our international partners.”

It was on this basis that the Defence Headquarters initially described the arrests as cases of “indiscipline” and “professional misconduct”.

This was rather than linking them directly to any coup attempt.

Insiders noted that this tactical press release, however, exacerbated public confusion before the media fully leaked the incident.

While the Federal Government and the DHQ have since reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance, military and government officials have maintained silence on the full findings until the investigation reaches its legal conclusion.

PRNigeria.