- Military probes 20 officers over alleged coup plot.
- Independence Day parade cancelled amid security fears.
- Officers face disciplinary action after intelligence leak.
The Nigerian military has constituted an investigative panel to probe about 20 officers detained over an alleged coup plot aimed at toppling President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to multiple sources, the arrests followed intelligence reports that revealed secret meetings among some officers who expressed discontent with the government. Sixteen officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were initially apprehended in late September, while more arrests have since followed.
A senior military source told Premium Times that the suspects had discussed plans to destabilise the country and target key government officials for assassination. The plot, reportedly set for a specific date, was foiled after it was leaked to authorities, causing widespread panic within government circles.
“The coup plot caused panic in government after it was leaked. The high command had assured the administration of loyalty, which is why the Independence Day parade scheduled for October 1 was cancelled,” a source disclosed.
The investigative panel, which includes representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and the State Security Service (SSS), has been meeting discreetly in Abuja. Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, spokesperson for the Defence Headquarters, confirmed that the officers were being investigated for “indiscipline” and “breach of service regulations.”
However, internal sources said the detentions were directly tied to the alleged coup attempt. The Defence Headquarters also clarified that the officers’ grievances stemmed mainly from career stagnation and failed promotion examinations.
The arrested officers are currently being held at an undisclosed military facility in Abuja. The DHQ assured that any indicted personnel would face the full disciplinary process in accordance with military law.
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