Two Nigerian military officers have reportedly gone into hiding after being linked to an alleged plot to overthrow the country’s democratic government.
According to reports, the military has intensified investigations, making additional arrests following the earlier detention of 16 officers in early October.
Sources revealed that 18 officers were initially marked for arrest, but two suspects — identified as Major J.M. Ganaks and Captain G. Binuga — are currently on the run.
Major Ganaks, with service number N/14363, is from the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the 58th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was posted to Jaji, Kaduna State. Captain Binuga, service number N/167722, hails from Taraba State and belonged to the 64th Regular Course. He served with the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces in Bida, Niger State.
Military insiders said some of those in custody have provided “useful information” leading to further arrests, bringing the total number of detained officers to over 30. While some suspects have reportedly remained silent, others are said to be cooperating with investigators.
Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that the coup was planned for October 1, sources disclosed that arrests actually began in the first week of the month.
Background
Speculation about a possible coup had circulated for weeks, causing public concern. Shortly after the rumours emerged, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reshuffled the nation’s service chiefs — a move some linked to the ongoing investigation.
However, both the military and the federal government have repeatedly denied claims of a coup attempt. The Defence Headquarters maintained that the arrests were part of a “routine internal process” aimed at enforcing discipline within the armed forces.
Of the 16 officers initially detained, 14 were from the Nigerian Army, while two were from the Navy and Air Force, respectively. Within the Army, 12 belong to the Infantry Corps, one to the Signals Corps, and one to the Ordnance Corps.
Those arrested include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and a lieutenant. The remaining two officers are a lieutenant commander from the Navy and a squadron leader from the Air Force.
The Defence Headquarters has urged the public to disregard unfounded coup rumours, reaffirming its commitment to democracy and constitutional rule.
