Buratai clamps down on suspected soldiers

Officers suspected to be involved in the alleged coup plot are currently under watch as the Nigerian Army is reported to have begun an internal search.

In a report by Punch, soldiers and officers suspected to be engaging in political meetings with politicians are on the radar of the military's watch.

The move, it was also reported, was being kept as top secret so as not to add to public tension.

In a move by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to nip the allegation in the bud, reports say an army unit in Daura, Katsina State, named Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operation Base, was on Friday, May 1, 2017, established to fortify the president’s hometown and a public pledge of loyalty.

When contacted, the army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, reportedly 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.”

On Saturday, May 20, 2017, retired army generals that include, Alani Akinrinade and David Jemibewon, warned the military to steer clear off politics and desist from any idea of a coup as being alleged.

In the same vein, Femi Falana has said: "While the decision of the Army chief to alert the nation of the devilish plot is appreciated, the authorites should proceed to fish out the coup plotters and their civilian collaborators with a view to trying them for treasonable felony.”