Coup rumours trigger public outrage

Tinubu

Reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration have triggered outrage among Nigerians, with senior lawyers, civil society groups and retired generals warning against any attempt to subvert democracy.

The Defence Headquarters also dismissed the reports, saying there was no coup-related detention or plan within the military.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, told Sunday PUNCH that the Armed Forces were unaware of any coup plot.

He also claimed that no new update had been issued since the earlier statement on the arrest of some officers.

“I am not aware that people were detained for a coup. We didn’t issue any new statement on the 16 people we said were detained. What we issued is what we issued, and there’s no update on that. If there’s one, we will let the public know,” Gusau said.

In the October 4 statement referenced, Gusau had explained that the 16 officers were arrested for breaching military regulations and acts of indiscipline.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement read in part.

However, an online platform, Sahara Reporters, reported that the detained officers—ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General—were being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency for plotting to overthrow the government.

The platform alleged that the officers were arrested in their homes across the country.

A security source told Sunday PUNCH that the arrests were indeed connected to a coup plot.

According to the source, the plan was to strike on October 1, but arrests began the previous day, leading to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade.