......Security Agency Warns Against Posts Threatening National Stability
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a Rivers State resident, Innocent Chukwuma, for allegedly inciting a military coup through a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Chukwuma was apprehended in the Oyigbo area of Port Harcourt after he reportedly posted a message calling for military intervention in Nigeria’s governance, accusing the President of “selling the country to the West.” The post also referenced the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — a coalition of military-led governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso — which has recently distanced itself from ECOWAS.
Confirming the arrest, DSS spokesperson, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said the suspect’s action was detected during routine online monitoring and constitutes a clear violation of the Cybercrimes Act.
“The suspect’s activities amount to a direct assault on Nigeria’s constitutional order. Messages that endanger public peace will not be tolerated,” Afunanya stated.
Chukwuma’s X account has since been suspended, while security operatives are investigating possible links between him and pro-junta networks or groups promoting anti-democratic propaganda.
The arrest comes amid renewed tension following unverified reports of a coup plot involving some senior military officers — claims the Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed as “baseless.”
Earlier this month, President Bola Tinubu reshuffled key security positions, including the National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, in what analysts described as a move to strengthen internal security coordination.
Nigeria, which has endured multiple coups since independence — the last in 1993 under General Sani Abacha — has maintained civilian rule since 1999. However, rising economic hardship, unemployment, and insecurity have fueled frustration among citizens and increased online agitation.
The DSS reiterated its commitment to defending democracy and national unity, warning Nigerians to desist from posts capable of inciting unrest.
“Citizens must exercise responsibility in their use of social media. Freedom of expression does not extend to promoting insurrection,” Afunanya cautioned.
Chukwuma remains in custody as investigations continue.
