How Nigerian President Escaped Coup Attempt

News Update

At least sixteen high-ranking military officers have been taken into custody as part of a sweeping investigation into allegations of a conspiracy aimed at overthrowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, as reported by SaharaReporters.

The detainees include officers with ranks spanning from Captain to Brigadier General and were apprehended in a meticulously coordinated operation led by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), along with various other security agencies. These arrests took place across multiple locations within the country, indicating a broad and systematic crackdown on potential threats to the government.

In the wake of these significant arrests, the Defence Headquarters initially attempted to downplay the situation, characterising the detentions as components of a “routine military exercise” that was addressing “issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, insiders within military circles have cast doubt on this official narrative, suggesting that the explanation appears to be a deliberate smokescreen designed to prevent public alarm and maintain stability within the armed forces and the nation at large. This situation highlights the growing tensions and complexities surrounding the current political climate in Nigeria.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson,” a senior DIA official was quoted as saying. “They had begun holding secret meetings to overthrow the President and announce a military government.”

Official Statement

In its earlier release, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the officers’ detention followed internal investigations into misconduct and disobedience.

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

Foiled Plot and Security Concerns

However, insiders insisted that the arrests were linked to an attempted coup that was foiled after intelligence agencies intercepted communications and meeting plans.

A top source disclosed that the conspirators planned to execute the coup during the October 1 Independence Day parade, targeting President Tinubu and other senior officials in attendance.

“Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over the government,” the source confirmed. “That was why the Independence Day parade marking the country’s 65th anniversary was abruptly cancelled. Intelligence indicated they intended to strike during the event.”

The source further revealed that the National Security Adviser and service chiefs advised the presidency to suspend the parade after credible intelligence showed that the conspirators had positioned armed men for the assault.

Historical Context

Nigeria has a long and turbulent history with military coups. Since independence in 1960, the country has witnessed five successful coups and several abortive ones, each leaving deep scars on its democratic evolution.

The recent development has reignited public anxiety over growing discontent within the military ranks amid worsening economic hardship and security challenges across the country.