Two Military Officers on the Run as Authorities Intensify Manhunt Over Alleged Coup Plot in Nigeria

By Newsworld

Two Nigerian military officers accused of participating in a failed coup attempt are currently on the run, sparking a nationwide and cross-border manhunt by security agencies, TheCable has learned from credible military sources.

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The officers, identified as Major J.M. Ganaks and Captain G. Binuga, were among the 18 personnel reportedly listed for arrest in connection with the alleged plot to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government earlier this month. While 16 suspects have already been taken into custody and interrogated, Ganaks and Binuga are said to have fled shortly before the crackdown began.

Military Steps Up Pursuit

According to top security insiders who spoke under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, both officers may have escaped the country through “unofficial routes” as intelligence units continue to trace their movements across neighboring borders.

“Major Ganaks and Captain Binuga are currently at large. The military police and intelligence community are working with regional partners to track their location,” one senior officer said.

“The arrest of the remaining 16 suspects has provided significant leads, and investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the alleged coup network,” the source added.

The development has deepened concerns within the military hierarchy, as the alleged plot — if successful — could have triggered widespread instability in Africa’s largest democracy.

Profile of the Suspects

Investigations revealed that Major J.M. Ganaks, with service number N/14363, hails from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He is a member of the Regular Course 58 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was stationed in Jaji, Kaduna State, one of the country’s key military training centers.

His alleged co-conspirator, Captain G. Binuga, who bears service number N/167722, was said to have played an operational role in the planned coup. Both men reportedly disappeared days before military intelligence launched coordinated arrests across several commands in early October.

Silent Arrests and Internal Scrutiny

Military authorities have been tight-lipped about the details of the arrests, maintaining that investigations are still ongoing. However, insiders confirmed that the 16 detained officers are currently undergoing “intense interrogation” at undisclosed facilities in Abuja and Kaduna.

The ongoing probe, which began in the first week of October 2025, has shaken several commands, prompting the Defence Headquarters to review internal communication systems and reassign some officers to new postings as part of internal security checks.

A senior defence official told TheCable that the coup plotters were reportedly planning to “terminate democratic governance and take control of key national institutions.”

“They were in the early stages of coordination when intelligence picked up conversations suggesting a plan to seize power. The leadership moved quickly to neutralize the threat,” the source disclosed.

Government on Alert

Though no official statement has been issued by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) or the Presidency, sources within the military circle suggest that the alleged plot has already been reported to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, is said to be closely monitoring developments to prevent any further breaches of security or subversive actions from within the ranks.

Meanwhile, security around key national facilities — including Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the National Assembly, and major military installations — has reportedly been strengthened since early October.

Regional and International Coordination

Nigeria’s intelligence agencies are believed to have reached out to ECOWAS and INTERPOL for possible collaboration to track down the fleeing officers. “The suspects are considered high-risk and may attempt to regroup abroad,” one counter-intelligence officer revealed.

The latest incident adds to a growing list of internal mutiny scares within the West African sub-region, where several countries — including Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali — have witnessed military takeovers in recent years. Analysts fear that such developments could embolden dissident elements within Nigeria’s own ranks.

Public Reaction and Security Concerns

The news of the alleged coup attempt has sparked concern among Nigerians, especially as the country grapples with multiple security and economic challenges. Many observers have called on the military leadership to ensure transparency in handling the matter to avoid speculation and distrust.

Civil society groups and political commentators have also urged the government to address possible grievances within the armed forces that may have fueled discontent.

Security analysts, however, warn that even the suspicion of a coup attempt could destabilize investor confidence and international perception of Nigeria’s stability.

“It’s critical that the authorities communicate carefully,” said one Abuja-based analyst. “Nigeria cannot afford another episode of military interference in politics. The focus should be on strengthening internal discipline and democratic resilience.”

As the manhunt intensifies, the whereabouts of Major Ganaks and Captain Binuga remain unknown. The Defence Headquarters is expected to issue an official update soon as pressure mounts for accountability and reassurance that Nigeria’s democracy remains secure.

For now, the search continues — and with the shadow of military coups still haunting West Africa, Nigeria’s security agencies appear determined to ensure that history does not repeat itself.