At least 16 senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces have been reportedly arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
According to Sahara Reporters, the officers include a Brigadier-General and others within the ranks of Captain, Major and Colonel.
They were reportedly picked up from different locations across the country after intelligence agencies uncovered plans to stage a coup.
According to sources within the Defence Intelligence Agency, the suspects were secretly meeting to discuss how to seize power from what they described as corrupt politicians.
The plan was reportedly to launch the attack during the October 1 Independence Day parade in Abuja, where the President and other top officials were expected to be present.
It was also learnt that the parade, which was unexpectedly cancelled, was stopped after security reports warned that the event could be used as an opportunity to execute the coup.
The officers allegedly planned to open fire during the ceremony to eliminate key government officials and announce a military takeover.
Although the military had earlier claimed that the arrests were connected to indiscipline and poor performance in promotion examinations, sources said this explanation was only meant to calm the public and prevent panic.
The arrested officers are still being detained at the Defence Intelligence Agency in Abuja as investigations continue.
“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.”
“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.
“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”, a source told SaharaReporters.
Nigeria has recorded five successful coups since independence in 1960.
Growing discontent over corruption and stalled military careers has been linked to rising frustration within the armed forces in recent years.
