Though the military publicly described the arrests as
disciplinary actions linked to “failure in promotion examinations” and “career
stagnation,” insiders revealed the officers were actually accused of plotting a
coup d’état.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur
Gusau, had said the arrests followed a “routine military exercise,” citing
“indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”

However, intelligence gathered by the Defence Intelligence
Agency (DIA) reportedly uncovered plans led by a Brigadier General to seize
power from “selfish politicians.” The officers, ranging from Captains to senior
commanders, were picked up at various locations across the country.

Sources added that the October 1 Independence Day parade was
cancelled after authorities discovered the conspirators planned to strike
during the ceremony — allegedly targeting the President and other top
officials.

The officers are currently being held at the DIA facility in
Abuja.

Nigeria has recorded five successful coups since 1960, and
rising reports of corr¥ption and mismanagement within the armed forces have
recently fuelled frustration and low morale among some ranks.