By Badagry Today Fresh details have emerged on the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as identities of some detained Ni...
By Badagry Today
Fresh details have emerged on the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as identities of some detained Nigerian Army officers have now been uncovered.
According to SaharaReporters, the officers currently in detention are attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Nuhu Ribadu, a retired police officer and National Security Adviser to President Tinubu.
Personnel in the NSA’s office are typically drawn from various security and intelligence agencies — including the Nigerian Armed Forces, police, and paramilitary units, for inter-agency coordination on national security matters.
Earlier reports had revealed that several senior military officers, led by a Brigadier General, were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government during the October 1st Independence Day celebrations.
Although the Nigerian military initially downplayed the development, attributing the detention of the officers to “career stagnation and repeated failure in promotion examinations,” credible defence sources have now confirmed that the arrests were indeed linked to a foiled coup plot.
A senior official of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) disclosed that the plotters had been holding secret meetings aimed at toppling the government and replacing it with a military regime.
“The sixteen officers were planning to overthrow the government. The military’s public explanation was only a diplomatic cover. They had been meeting secretly to discuss how to remove President Tinubu and other senior officials,” the official said.
He further revealed that the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested at various locations across the country following coordinated intelligence operations by the DIA and allied security agencies.
“They’re all still being detained at the DIA facility. Their plan was to announce a military takeover during the Independence celebrations,” another source confirmed.
The development was also said to be the main reason why the Independence Day parade, scheduled to hold in Abuja on October 1, was abruptly cancelled.
In an update on Saturday evening, SaharaReporters quoted a senior intelligence source who revealed that most of the detained officers are from Northern Nigeria and are attached to the NSA’s office.
One of the alleged ringleaders was identified as Lieutenant Colonel Al-Makura, a recently returned officer from a special combat course in China. He is said to be the nephew of former Nasarawa State Governor and current UBEC Chairman, Tanko Umaru Al-Makura.
“Lieutenant Colonel Al-Makura is the ring leader. Don’t confuse him with his brother, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. His brother commands the 343 Artillery Regiment in Elele and was briefly detained but later released after investigations showed he wasn’t involved,” the source explained.
The accused officer was reportedly posted to the NSA’s office a few months ago after his return from China. Known as a “no-nonsense” infantry officer, he previously served in Borno State and is well-known among troops in Maiduguri.
“Most of those arrested were deceived into joining the plot. Sadly, none of them has been allowed to contact their families,” the source added.
As investigations continue, the Defence Headquarters and the Presidency are yet to issue an official update on the matter, leaving many Nigerians anxious over the unfolding revelations surrounding the alleged coup attempt.
Source: Sahara Reporters
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