Just IN: Two Military Officers On the Run As Arrests Deepen In Alleged Coup Plot

Two Nigerian military officers have reportedly fled the country amid an expanding investigation into an alleged coup plot against the democratic government. Security sources confirm the officers escaped just before authorities launched a new wave of arrests targeting military personnel accused of planning to overthrow the administration.

The fleeing officers have been identified as Major J. M. Ganaks and Captain G. Binuga. Major Ganaks, with service number N/14363, graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of Regular Course 58. His last known posting was at the Jaji military cantonment in Kaduna State.

Captain Binuga, bearing service number N/167722, was a member of the NDA’s Regular Course 64. The Taraba State native was previously stationed with the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Force in Bida, Niger State. Both officers were among eighteen personnel initially targeted for detention in connection with the alleged conspiracy.

Security officials indicate the two men managed to evade capture and are now believed to have left Nigerian territory. Their disappearance comes as the military continues its investigation into what authorities describe as a serious threat to national stability and democratic governance.

The Defence Intelligence Agency is leading the comprehensive probe into the alleged plot. Investigators have reportedly obtained what sources characterize as “useful statements” from personnel already in custody. These disclosures have enabled authorities to identify and detain additional suspects in the ongoing operation.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

A senior security source familiar with the investigation revealed that interrogations have produced varying levels of cooperation from detained personnel. While some officers remain silent during questioning, many have provided information that has helped advance the investigation significantly.

The total number of military personnel now detained in connection with the alleged coup attempt has exceeded thirty officers. This represents a substantial increase from the initial sixteen detentions reported in early October when the investigation first became public.

The crackdown represents one of the most significant internal military investigations in recent years. Authorities have been conducting operations across multiple states to apprehend personnel suspected of involvement in the alleged plot against President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Military officials have maintained tight security around the investigation details. The armed forces have historically demonstrated strong commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order despite Nigeria’s history of military rule.

The Nigerian military has faced numerous security challenges in recent years, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and separatist agitation in the southeast. This internal investigation comes at a time when the armed forces are engaged in multiple operations across the country.

Defence headquarters has yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest developments in the investigation. Military authorities typically refrain from commenting on ongoing security operations until preliminary investigations are complete.

The situation highlights continuing concerns about political stability within the West African region, where several nations have experienced military takeovers in recent years. Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 marked the beginning of its longest uninterrupted period of civilian governance.

Security analysts emphasize that while coup plots occasionally emerge in Nigerian security circles, the military institution has consistently demonstrated loyalty to constitutional authority. The current investigation reflects the military leadership’s determination to maintain discipline within its ranks.

As the probe continues, security forces remain on high alert across the country. The investigation is expected to expand further as authorities pursue all leads in what they describe as a comprehensive effort to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions.