Army begins arrest of soldiers over alleged coup plotting

The army has started an intelligent operation in apprehending soldiers involved in politics

The chief of army staff had warned soldier not to hobnob with politicians

The army said officers caught would have themselves to blame

The Nigerian army has started an internal investigation into the activities of soldiers suspected to be in alliance with some politicians.

We  reported that there was suspicion that some soldiers were in alliance with some politicians and planning a coup.

The chief of army staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai had in a statement warned soldiers hobnobbing to desist from such as anyone caught would have himself to blame.

The Punch reports that some soldiers involved in the alleged coup have been arrested but according to a top military source, this was being kept as top secret in order not to raise tension among the people.

Some military sources also confirmed that the establishment of an army unit in Daura, Katsina State on Friday, May 19 and named Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operation Base was to fortify the president’s hometown.

Brig. Gen. Sani Usman who is the army spokesperson said, “The establishment of the new unit was part of the implementation of the Nigerian Army approved Order of Battle 2016 (ORBAT 2016) by the Army council.

“Prior to that, the COAS was also at the Palace of his Royal Highness, Alhaji Faruk Umar, the Emir of Daura, for a courtesy call.”

The army source also revealed that the army was serious with its warning and had followed it up with intelligent searches to apprehend all soldiers involved.

Another source said “some of the suspected political meetings were held under the guise of some of the recently redeployed 147 soldiers and officers, allegedly trying to familiarise with their new hosts.”

Also speaking on the matter, the army spokesperson said it would not hesitate to brief the public if it has knowledge that is necessary to be shared.

He said: “The army is a disciplined and professional service. We relate well with the Nigerian public. When there is need to disclose information, we will.”