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Unconfirmed reports have it that about 16 military officers have been arrested over an alleged attempt to oust President Bola Tinubu from power.
Though the military has publicly described the arrests as disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career stagnation,” top security sources claimed the officers were actually accused of plotting a coup d’état.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, in a statement, said the arrests followed a “routine military exercise,” citing “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
However, intelligence reportedly gathered by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) uncovered a plan allegedly led by a Brigadier General to seize power from what the conspirators termed “selfish politicians.” The officers, said to range from Captains to senior commanders, were picked up at various locations across the country.
Sources further disclosed that the October 1 Independence Day parade was cancelled after authorities discovered the plotters allegedly planned to strike during the ceremony targeting the President and other top government officials.
The arrested officers are currently being detained at the DIA facility in Abuja.
Nigeria has recorded five successful coups since gaining independence in 1960.