Nigerian authorities have charged six individuals, including a retired major general and a serving police inspector, with terrorism and treason over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a charge sheet seen on Tuesday.

The six suspects, all currently in custody, were arraigned on a 13-count charge alleging that they “conspired with one another to levy war against the state to overawe the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

A seventh suspect, former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva, is also accused of allegedly assisting in concealing the plot but is currently at large.

Authorities first disclosed the alleged coup attempt in January, stating that several military officers would face trial.

The development followed the arrest of 16 military officers in 2025 over what military authorities described as “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations,” which later fuelled speculation of a wider coup plot—claims which were initially denied by the government.

Africa’s most populous nation has a history of military takeovers, having experienced five coups in the 20th century. However, no successful coup has occurred since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

The latest allegations come amid a recent wave of coups and attempted military takeovers in parts of West and Central Africa, including incidents in Benin and Guinea-Bissau late last year.

Analysts have linked the trend to factors such as disputed elections, constitutional tensions, worsening security challenges, and growing youth dissatisfaction across the region.