Two Suspected Coup Plotters On The Run As Nigerian Military Makes More Arrests

Two Nigerian military officers have reportedly gone into hiding after being accused of taking part in a failed plan to overthrow the President Bola Tinubu’s government.

According to TheCable, military sources revealed that authorities have continued to make arrests after questioning 16 officers detained in early October in connection with the alleged coup plot.

It was gathered that 18 suspects were marked for arrest, but two managed to escape and are believed to have left Nigeria.

One of the fugitives, Major JM Ganaks (service number N/14363), is said to be from the Federal Capital Territory and a graduate of Course 58 at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). His last known posting was in Jaji, Kaduna State.

The second officer, Captain G. Binuga (service number N/167722), is from Taraba State and served at the DHQ Special Operations Forces in Bida, Niger State. He was part of NDA’s Course 64.

Sources said several of those arrested have already provided “useful information” that led to more arrests, bringing the total number of officers in custody to over 30.

While some detainees have remained silent, others are said to be cooperating with investigators.

Although there were rumors that the coup was planned for October 1, insiders confirmed that no such plan existed and that the arrests only began in the first week of the month.

The Defence Headquarters has not confirmed the alleged coup but described the ongoing investigation of the 16 officers as a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.

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