Focus on Africa Nigeria : Was there an alleged coup plot?
Nov 5, 2025
Chris Ewoko, a BBC Nigeria correspondent, shares on-the-ground insights into the alleged coup rumors sparked by the arrest of military officers. He explores the public's distrust following government denials and security reshuffles amid economic struggles. Leonora Tima, a gender activist, discusses the innovative Grit app and the Zuzi AI chatbot designed to support survivors of gender-based violence, emphasizing user experiences and the importance of human oversight. Joseph Beyanga reflects on Zohran Mamdani’s historic election as NYC mayor, highlighting his Ugandan roots and impactful political message.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Historic Coup Fears Resurface
- Nigeria's recent security shake-up revived historical fears of military intervention despite two decades of civilian rule.
- Economic hardship and public discontent create fertile ground for renewed coup speculation.
How The Rumours Began
- Chris Ewoko recounts mid-to-late October media reports alleging an attempted coup and subsequent denials by security authorities.
- He notes the military denied a coup while confirming arrests and calling the reports sensational.
Opaque Dismissals Fuel Suspicion
- The DSS dismissed 115 personnel without publicly stating reasons, prompting public suspicion of links to an alleged plot.
- Lack of transparent explanations fuelled citizens' tendency to 'connect the dots' toward a political motive.