ABUJA, Nigeria — Two military officers have fled Nigeria after being named among those alleged to be involved in a plot to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government, according to senior security sources who spoke to TheCable.
The officers, identified as Major JM Ganaks and Captain G. Binuga, are said to have escaped shortly before their scheduled arrest, widening a high-profile investigation that has already led to the detention of more than 30 personnel.
Sources familiar with the inquiry said Ganaks, with service number N/14363 and a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Regular Course 58, was stationed in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Binuga, service number N/167722, from Regular Course 64, was posted to the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces unit in Bida, Niger State.
Ganaks hails from the Federal Capital Territory, while Binuga is from Taraba State.
The initial arrests reportedly took place in the first week of October, with 16 officers first detained for questioning.
Officials now estimate that more than 30 military personnel are in custody, as investigators continue to act on what sources described as “useful statements” given by several suspects.
“Some are keeping quiet, but many have been very cooperative,” one security source said, noting that the information shared has helped authorities identify additional suspects.
Despite widespread speculation, military insiders said the alleged coup was not planned for Wednesday, October 1, 2025 — Nigeria’s Independence Day — contrary to rumours circulating online.
The Defence Headquarters has not publicly acknowledged a coup plot.
In a statement earlier this month, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, described the ongoing detentions as part of a “routine internal process” to uphold discipline within the ranks.
“The ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks,” the statement said, without addressing claims of a planned overthrow.
The developments come amid heightened political tension and renewed scrutiny of the loyalty of military officers following recent reshuffles in the armed forces.
