By Swill Mavua
The Nigerian Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has arrested 16 senior military officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The officers were reportedly planning to execute the coup during the October 1 Independence Day parade, targeting the President and other senior officials. The plot was uncovered through intelligence gathering and surveillance, which revealed secret meetings and coded communications among the officers.
Key Details:
- Alleged Ringleader: A Brigadier General is believed to be the mastermind behind the plot.
- Reasons: Grievances over career stagnation due to repeated failure in promotion examinations and other issues.
- Cancellation of Parade: The October 1 Independence Day parade was cancelled due to credible intelligence about the plot.
- Arrests: The officers were picked up from various locations across the country in a coordinated operation by the DIA and other security agencies.
- Current Status: The officers are being held at a DIA detention facility in Abuja, pending investigation and possible court-martial proceedings.
The military has described the incident as an attempt to destabilize the country, while some analysts see it as a manifestation of internal discontent within the military ranks over corruption, poor welfare, and career stagnation.
Swill is a journalist based in Lagos.
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