Newsbreak: Rumours of military coup stir panic in Abuja

Expect break up of Nigeria through mass revolt if Tinubu is removed, warns Pan Yoruba group

By Akinyemi Bada

Reports of a military coup attempt in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital has stirred a mix of anxiety and curiosity.

The report claimed President Ahmed Tinubu was to be attacked on October 1st in anticipation of his leading the Independence Day outing which was later postponed.

At the weekend, at least 16 senior and junior officers were said to have been arrested across Nigeria on suspicion of a military coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

But in his reaction, an official of Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM) Tajudeen Saliu Adio said any military coup against Tinubu “will lead to instant break up of Nigeria.”

Adio said two things may happen if there is a coup: Civil disobedience in the South West and mass revolt that may lead to guerilla warfare.

He said “Any attempt to overthrow Tinubu will lead to instant break up of Nigeria. The reaction will be spontaneous and overwhelming. No Security forces will be able to stop it. We have democracy since 1999 with Presidents from different part of the country. Why is it that it under Tinubu that his government will be brought down? I can assure you attempt to remove him by force will lead to uncontrollably violence across Nigeria and the country will break up.”

He said some politicians who lost power have been indirectly called for a coup.

“Any coup now can only be the hatchet job of the opposition. It can only be the work of the cabal that fears the restructuring of Nigeria. If they make any attempt, the break up of Nigeria will be irreversible.”

He recalled that a former Governor in the North now in opposition made a statement to the effect that President Tinubu’s Government “is worse than any military regime.”

Saliu said such reckless statements were an indirect invitation of the military fueled by ego and ethnic interest.

He said former President Mohammad Buhari left the country in total mess and that not genuis can fix the country instantly.

The coup reports claimed that the officers were arrested by officials of the Defence Intelligence Agency, (DIA) from their homes and military stations across the country.

According to the report, the suspects had planned to attack the President on October 1 Independence Anniversary prompting the cancellation of the event.

Unlike in 2024 when the Army under the late General Taoreed Lagbaja had a scintillating parade, this year’s outing was halted by defense authorities.

Recent reports said the prospect of the military coup led to the cancellation but Irohinoodua could not confirm this claim.

Last week President Tinubu left the country for Rome, Italy with the National Security Adviser, (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and the DIA boss,

An independent source said the arrest of the 16 officers and the cancellation of the parade “points to something unusual. The high possibility was a military coup which was abborted.”

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier Tukur Gusau, in a statement made available to Irohinoodua said a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations.Their grievances stem largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.”

But some media reports quoted unnamed Security sources to have said that “The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic. They had started holding secret meetings to overthrow the President and take over power from selfish politicians.”

Saharareporters reporters quoted sources to have said that the detained officers are within the ranks of Captain to Brigadier-General and are currently held at the DIA facility in Abuja after being picked up from various locations across the country.