The arrest of a serving Nigeria Police Force inspector by operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has sent ripples of shock and unease across Nigeria’s security community and the wider public.
The police officer, identified as Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, was apprehended in Abuja after intelligence reports allegedly linked him to a wider conspiracy involving military personnel already under investigation.
For many Nigerians, the development has deepened concerns about trust, loyalty and stability within the nation’s security institutions, particularly at a time when the country is grappling with multiple security and economic challenges.
Security sources told that the inspector’s arrest followed new information provided by detained military officers, which allegedly placed him within the network suspected of plotting against the democratically elected government.
“The investigation widened as more names emerged. Once his alleged role was established, he was taken into custody,” a senior security source said, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
According to the sources, 36 security operatives are currently being held in connection with the alleged plot. They include 35 personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, alongside the arrested police inspector — a development described by analysts as rare and deeply unsettling.
Residents in parts of Abuja who spoke with source expressed concern and disbelief that individuals entrusted with safeguarding the nation could be implicated in actions capable of threatening constitutional rule.
“When those meant to protect democracy are accused of undermining it, it creates fear and uncertainty,” said a civil servant in the Federal Capital Territory.
The arrests are linked to a long-running probe that began in October 2025, when several senior military officers were quietly detained over alleged conduct considered inconsistent with military discipline and democratic principles.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has since confirmed that a special investigative panel concluded its assignment and submitted its findings, paving the way for court-martial proceedings and other disciplinary actions against officers found culpable.
Efforts by the source to obtain an official reaction from the Nigeria Police Force were unsuccessful as of press time, as calls and messages to the Force Public Relations Officer were not returned.
Government officials have repeatedly stressed that Nigeria’s democracy remains non-negotiable, warning that any attempt to destabilise the constitutional order would be met with the full force of the law.
As investigations continue, the unfolding case has become more than a security matter — it has touched a national nerve, raising questions about vigilance, accountability and the silent pressures within institutions charged with defending the republic.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as inquiries progress.