The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man in Port Harcourt for using social media to call for a military takeover of the government.

The suspect, identified as Innocent Chukwuma, was apprehended in the Oyigbo area of Rivers State after allegedly posting a message on X calling for a coup and urging the military to suspend the government.

“The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West, and they run our intelligence apparatus. Only the military can reset this country. Support them,” the post read in parts

DSS officials said the arrest followed intelligence monitoring of online activities considered a threat to national security.

The agency stated that the suspect’s actions violated Nigeria’s constitutional order and could attract charges under the Cybercrimes Act.

The post reportedly referenced the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a defence pact between the military regimes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

The AES withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year after rejecting Nigeria’s pressure for a return to civilian rule.

Security sources said investigations were ongoing to determine whether the suspect had links with any organised groups. His social media accounts have since been suspended.

The arrest comes amid rising public tension following unverified reports of an alleged coup plot involving some senior officers.

The army dismissed the coup reports as false, saying the affected officers were only facing internal disciplinary actions.

Nigeria has experienced multiple coups since independence; the last successful insurrection was in 1993 when General Sani Abacha seized power. The country returned to civilian rule in 1999 and has since maintained democratic governance despite persistent economic and security challenges.

Pro-junta messages have recently increased online across West Africa following military takeovers in the Sahel. Nigerian authorities have warned against spreading such content, describing it as capable of inciting unrest.

The DSS said it would continue to identify and disrupt any activity that undermines national stability. Officials added that citizens should exercise caution in using social media and avoid sharing messages capable of threatening public peace.

The country continues to face inflation above 30 per cent, unemployment, and insecurity in parts of the country. The government has pledged reforms to stabilise the economy and restore confidence.

Chukwuma remains in DSS custody as investigations continue.