EXCLUSIVE: Two suspected coup plotters on the run as military makes more arrests

Two military officers are on the run after they were named among those who allegedly plotted a coup to terminate Nigeria’s democracy, TheCable understands.

The military authorities have continued to make arrests after preliminary interrogating 16 of the suspects who were seized in the first week of October over the botched plot.

TheCable understands that 18 officers were to be arrested, but two fled and are now believed to be out of the country.

JM Ganaks, a major with service no N/14363, who hails from the federal capital territory, is at large, military sources informed TheCable.

He was a member of the regular close 58 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and his station is listed as Jaji, Kaduna state.

Also on the run is G Binuga, a captain with service no N/167722.

His station is listed as DHQ SOF Bida, Niger state, and he was a member of the regular course 64.

Binuga is from Taraba state.

MORE ARRESTS…

TheCable understands that some of the arrested suspects have made “useful statements” to the authorities.

The information extracted has helped secure more arrests, with a source estimating that over 30 officers are now in custody.

Some of the arrested officers are keeping mum, but many are said to be “very cooperative”.

Contrary to widespread reports, the coup was not to be executed on October 1, as arrests were only made in the first week of the month.

Military authorities have yet to officially confirm the coup plot.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.