Top Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow President Tinubu

At least 16 top-ranking military officers have been arrested by Nigeria’s Armed Forces over an alleged plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, according to senior security sources who spoke to SaharaReporters.

Although the Nigerian military recently claimed that the arrests were related to “repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation,” inside sources insist that the officers were actually apprehended for plotting a coup.

In an earlier statement, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, said the arrests followed a routine military exercise and were tied to disciplinary issues.

He added that the detained officers had been facing internal investigations for various offenses and that their behavior did not align with the standards of military service.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” Gusau had said.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”

However, a senior official in the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) contradicted that version, revealing that the officers, led by an army Brigadier-General, had been secretly planning to seize power from what they described as “selfish politicians.”

According to Sahara Reporter, the source said the plot was uncovered through intelligence gathered by the DIA and other security agencies.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson. They have started doing secret meetings on how to overthrow the President and other top government officials,” the source said.

“They’re all officers within the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General and are still in detention at DIA as we talk. They were picked recently at their various houses around the country. Their main objective was to overthrow President Tinubu and announce a military government.”

Another source disclosed that the alleged coup plot was the real reason Nigeria’s Independence Day parade, scheduled for October 1, was abruptly cancelled.

He said, “Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over government. That was the main reason why the Independence Day parade scheduled to hold on Wednesday, October 1 as part of activities marking the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary was cancelled.

“This was because intelligence reports showed they planned the coup on October 1st during a military parade. So the National Security Adviser and other service chiefs asked the Tinubu-led government to cancel the parade earlier scheduled to mark the day.

“Their plan was to shoot at the President and other top politicians during the event. The move by the military authorities announcing their arrests was to douse tension.”

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has experienced five successful military coups.

The latest development has sparked renewed concern about growing discontent within the armed forces, particularly as corruption allegations and frustration over stalled promotions continue to spread among officers and soldiers.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria will continue to work with the United Nations and the United States to promote peace and growth in the African region, amidst the military coup in Africa.