Two Nigerian military officers have reportedly fled the country after being named among those allegedly involved in a foiled plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government and terminate Nigeria’s democracy, TheCable reports.
According to military sources, the authorities have intensified their crackdown following the arrest and interrogation of 16 officers earlier in October in connection with the alleged coup attempt.
Investigations revealed that a total of 18 officers were initially marked for arrest, but two—identified as Major J.M. Ganaks and Captain G. Binuga—escaped before security operatives could apprehend them.
Major Ganaks, with service number N/14363, hails from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and is listed as a member of the Regular Course 58 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). His last known posting was Jaji, Kaduna State, according to military insiders.
Captain Binuga, whose service number is N/167722, is from Taraba State and was part of the Regular Course 64. He was attached to the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces (DHQ SOF) in Bida, Niger State.
More Arrests Following “Useful Statements”
Sources within the military disclosed that some of the officers earlier detained have made “useful statements” that led to the arrest of additional suspects.
“The information extracted has been quite revealing and has helped security agencies to make more arrests,” one insider told TheCable, estimating that over 30 officers are now in custody.
While some of the detained officers have reportedly remained silent, others are said to be “very cooperative” during interrogation.
Coup Date Speculation Dismissed
Contrary to widespread speculation, the alleged coup was not planned for October 1, as previously reported. Security sources confirmed that the first wave of arrests occurred in the first week of October.
The military high command has yet to officially acknowledge the alleged plot. However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the ongoing interrogation of the 16 officers is part of a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks.”
The unfolding investigation marks one of the most serious internal security challenges faced by the military in recent years, coming amid heightened concerns over loyalty within the armed forces and growing political tensions in the country.
