Nigerian media reports on the alleged plan to overthrow the military leader Gen Sani Abacha:

Nigerian government says it uncovered plan to overthrow Abacha

Text of report by Nigerian radio on 21st December

Here is a news flash.

Gen Sani Abacha

The federal government says it has uncovered a plan to violently overthrow the administration of General Sani Abacha. A government statement in Abuja today says a number of military and civilian officers, including the chief of general staff, Lt-Gen Oladipo Diya, have been arrested in connection with the plan.

Source: Radio Nigeria-Lagos in English 1800 gmt 21 Dec 97

Nigerian government names 12 "principal actors" arrested in foiled coup plot

Text of report by Nigerian TV on 21st December

Here now is a special federal government announcement from the office of the Chief of Defence Staff:

The federal military government has uncovered a plot to violently overthrow the present administration. Principal actors arrested in connection with this plot include the following military officers and civilians:

Lt-Gen Oladipo Diya, chief of general staff;

Maj-Gen Abdulkarim Adisa, former minister of works and housing;

Maj-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju, former minister of communications;

Col Daniel Akintonde, former military administrator of Ogun State;

Col Edwin Jandu, artillery brigade commander, Abeokuta;

Col Emmanuel Shoda, military assistant to Lt-Gen General Oladipo Diya;

Col Femi Peters, National War College, Abuja;

Lt-Col Olu Akinyode, former special assistant to Maj-Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju;

Maj Biliaminu M. Mohammed, administrative officer, Presidency;

Maj Olasehun Fadikpe, chief security officer to Lt-Gen Oladipo Diya;

Maj K. A. Isufu Ishako, O.C. commander, artillery detachment, Abuja;

Prof Femi Odekunle, political adviser to Lt-Gen Oladipo Diya.

Further investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the federal military government of Nigeria wishes to assure law-abiding citizens that it will strongly resist any attempt to undermine the security, integrity of the nation and, thereby, derail the ongoing transition to a democratically elected government.

The federal military government finally reassures Nigerians that the transition to civil rule is very much a (?logical) conclusion.

Signed: Maj-Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, chief of defence staff.

Source: NTA TV, Lagos, in English 2000 gmt 21 Dec 97

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