The Nigerian military authorities have set up an investigative panel to probe the actions of about 20 officers who were detained over an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The development follows earlier reports that some officers were secretly planning a coup against the administration.

Sahara Reporters had earlier reported that 16 military officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were arrested in late September after intelligence reports indicated they were holding secret meetings and voicing discontent with the government.

A military source confirmed the development to Premium Times, revealing that more officers have been arrested since the initial detention.

A source familiar with the investigation told Premium Times, “The report is true. More officers have been picked up since the initial arrests. The alleged plotters were involved in discussions about a potential coup to destabilize the government and had planned to target top government officials for assassination.”

The officers allegedly planned a bloody coup, with a tentative date set for the operation. However, the plot was leaked, prompting swift action from the government.

According to sources, the leaked information caused significant panic within government circles, as military leaders had assured the administration of their loyalty.

A military insider explained, “The coup plot caused panic in government after it was leaked. The high command had repeatedly assured the government of the military’s loyalty to the administration. This is why the government took the drastic step of canceling the National Independence Day parade scheduled for October 1.”

An investigative panel has been established to investigate what the military has described as “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

The composition of the panel is not entirely clear, but sources confirm that it includes representatives from the army, air force, navy, police, and the State Security Service (SSS).

“The panel has been meeting for the past week, but the sittings are being kept confidential,” a source said, refusing to disclose the venues of the meetings.

Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) did not officially confirm the coup plot, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ spokesperson, said on October 4 that the 16 officers were being investigated for indiscipline and breach of service regulations.

However, sources inside the military have confirmed that the arrests were related to the alleged coup attempt.

Another military official said, “Intelligence reports pointed to plans to destabilize the government. Some officers were reportedly holding meetings to discuss a possible military takeover.”

The arrests coincided with growing security concerns, including the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade, which was initially scheduled for October 1. A source within the military confirmed that the cancellation was linked to the coup plot.

“Apart from the Guard of Honour at the airport, there have been no major parades since the alleged plot was uncovered,” the officer said, highlighting the heightened security measures taken in response to the attempted coup.

The detained officers are currently being held at an undisclosed military installation in Abuja. The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the officers’ grievances primarily stemmed from career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.

However, in the 4 October statement, he stated, “Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.”

Despite the growing speculation, the Defence Headquarters has denied reports that the Independence Day parade was cancelled due to a military coup attempt.

The DHQ also denied any connection between the 16 officers under investigation and the alleged coup against President Tinubu.

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