DSS Arrests Man in Port Harcourt for Calling for Military Takeover on Social Media

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man identified as Innocent Chukwuma in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for allegedly using social media to advocate for a military coup in Nigeria.

According to the DSS, Chukwuma was apprehended in the Oyigbo area after posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) calling on the military to suspend the government and take control of the country.

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

DSS officials stated that his arrest followed sustained intelligence monitoring of online activities deemed threatening to national security. The agency noted that his actions violated Nigeria’s constitutional order and could attract charges under the Cybercrimes Act.

Investigators also revealed that Chukwuma’s post referenced the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a defence pact involving Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, which cut ties with ECOWAS earlier this year after rejecting Nigeria’s push for a return to civilian rule.

Security sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect has any links with organised groups. His social media accounts have since been suspended.

The arrest comes amid growing public tension following unverified reports of an alleged coup plot involving some senior military officers. Earlier this month, President Bola Tinubu reshuffled the national security leadership, including the National Security Adviser and the heads of the police and correctional services.

The Nigerian Army has since dismissed the coup rumours as false, explaining that the officers involved were only facing internal disciplinary measures.

Nigeria has witnessed several coups since independence, the last being in 1993, when General Sani Abacha seized power. The country returned to democracy in 1999 and has maintained civilian rule despite persistent economic and security challenges.

Authorities have recently warned against promoting pro-junta sentiments online, noting that such messages could incite public unrest. The DSS reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and disrupting any activity capable of undermining national stability, urging citizens to use social media responsibly.

Nigeria continues to grapple with inflation above 30 per cent, widespread unemployment, and insecurity in several regions. The government has pledged ongoing reforms to stabilise the economy and restore public confidence.

Chukwuma remains in DSS custody as investigations continue.