In Nigeria, prosecutors on Tuesday, April 21, charged six men, including a retired major general, with attempting to plan a coup in October 2025. Authorities initially denied the allegations, while the army announced the arrest of 16 officers for "discipline issues." Subsequently, President Bola Tinubu carried out a major reshuffle of the military high command.

In Nigeria, the alleged plot involved some forty suspects, including senior officers, according to Nigerian press reports. The objective was to attack and seize control of Aso Rock, the presidential villa, and to capture, or even kill, President Bola Tinubu and his Vice President, Kashim Shettima. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives were also targeted. Following this alleged coup attempt, President Bola Tinubu carried out a major reshuffle of his military staff.

Six men were formally charged on April 21 by the public prosecutor's office. They are to be brought before the Abuja High Court as early as Wednesday, April 22. Among those implicated are a retired general, a retired captain, a police inspector, and civilians.

The six men charged face 13 counts ranging from treason and terrorism to failure to disclose information and money laundering. They are accused, in particular, of having knowledge of the plot hatched by Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma'aji, identified as the mastermind behind this alleged coup attempt.

They allegedly conspired "among themselves to commit an act of terrorism" and "indirectly, but knowingly" provided "support" to Colonel Ma'aji, according to the indictment. Other individuals are named in the case, including a former governor of Bayelsa State, currently a fugitive, suspected of having financed the plot.

At least 16 senior serving officers, including Mohammed Alhassan Ma'aji, have also been arrested. Fourteen belong to the Nigerian Army, the others to the Navy and Air Force. These military personnel could face a military court-martial for their alleged involvement in the coup plot.

The conspirators allegedly planned to storm Aso Rock's presidential villa and assassinate the President of Nigeria, his Vice President, and the President of the Senate and the President of the House of Representatives.