The Nigerian military authorities have established a panel to investigate about 20 officers detained for an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
Sahara Reporters newspaper broke the news that 16 officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were arrested in late September following intelligence that they held secret meetings and expressed discontent with the administration.
Although the military publicly described the arrests as disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career stagnation,” insiders revealed the officers were actually accused of plotting a coup d’état.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the arrests followed a “routine military exercise,” citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
However, intelligence gathered by the Defence Intelligence Agency reportedly uncovered plans led by a Brigadier General to seize power from “selfish politicians.” The officers, ranging from Captains to senior commanders, were picked up at various locations across the country.
Sources added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was cancelled after authorities discovered the conspirators planned to strike during the ceremony — allegedly targeting the President and other top officials.
The officers are currently being held at the DIA facility in Abuja.
