Amanze Chinonye
New information has emerged regarding the 16 Nigerian military officers detained over an alleged coup plot against President Tinubu’s administration, shedding light on their ranks, service backgrounds, and regional distribution.
According to details obtained by Prime Business Africa from credible military sources, 14 of the 16 officers are from the Nigerian Army, while the remaining two serve in the Navy and Air Force respectively.
Among the Army personnel are a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and a lieutenant. The two others include a Navy Lieutenant Commander, the naval equivalent of an Army major and an Air Force Squadron Leader, also equivalent to an Army major.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFurther findings indicate that 12 of the 14 Army officers belong to the Infantry Corps, the Army’s combat arm responsible for ground operations. One officer serves in the Signals Corps, which handles military communications, while another is attached to the Ordnance Corps, in charge of the storage and maintenance of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.
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Sources revealed that most of the detained Army officers are graduates of the 56th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), which trained between September 27, 2004, and October 4, 2008. Six members of this course, four lieutenant colonels and two majors are said to be among the first batch of officers arrested.
Others are reportedly from NDA courses 44, 47, 59, and 60, as well as Short Service Commission Courses 38 and 43. The specific course affiliations of two Army officers, along with those of the detained Navy and Air Force personnel, could not be immediately verified.
Geographically, 15 of the 16 officers hail from Nigeria’s North-Central, North-East, and North-West regions, while the only officer from the South-West is said to be a lieutenant, also the most junior among them.
Earlier reports suggested that the Nigerian military had launched an internal investigation into a foiled coup plot involving some top officers arrested in late September.
The plotters allegedly planned to assassinate President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, among other high-profile officials.
Weeks after the alleged plot was uncovered, President Tinubu announced a major shake-up in the military hierarchy, appointing new service chiefs in what many observers interpreted as a strategic move to reinforce loyalty within the armed forces.
Although 16 officers were initially arrested, insiders suggest that the number of suspects has since increased, as the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) continues its discreet investigation into the matter.
Neither the Defence Headquarters nor the Presidency has confirmed the details of the alleged coup plot, insisting that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain loyal to the constitution and civilian authority.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
