Defense Minister orders Intelligence Agency to hunt down suspected coup plotters

The Minister of State Defence, Bello Matawalle, has instructed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to pursue individuals advocating for a military takeover of the nation.

This directive was issued through a statement on Thursday, March 7, as conveyed by the Defence Ministry's Director of Information, Press, and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike.

Matawalle characterised those promoting an undemocratic shift in government as purveyors of chaos, cautioning that such individuals would face severe consequences if apprehended.

As quoted by Channels TV online “The call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the military has come to reality with a democratic government in Nigeria and is focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.

“The propagators calling for the truncation of the constitutional government should desist from it and face the democratic reality on the ground.

“Just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to calling for military intervention which has no place in modern realities.

“The military is highly professionalised with a good civilian-military relationship, and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as the top priority.”

The Minister called on all Nigerian citizens to support and maintain trust in President Bola Tinubu's administration as it works to advance Nigeria's prosperity.

He reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria's dedication to safeguarding the Constitution, preserving democracy, and guaranteeing the nation's safety and security.