Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has disclosed that he was among senior officials targeted in an alleged coup plot uncovered by the military late last year.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, Musa said the plotters planned to arrest him and shoot him if he resisted, describing himself as one of the intended victims.
I was also a target, the former Chief of Defence Staff said. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot.
His comments follow confirmation by the Armed Forces that some of the 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 would face prosecution over allegations of attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The military initially announced the arrests in October, citing acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
However, authorities later revealed that investigations uncovered evidence linking some of the officers to a broader plot aimed at destabilizing the government.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said findings showed that some suspects engaged in actions inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He added that those with cases to answer would be arraigned before a military judicial panel in line with the Armed Forces Act and service regulations.
Reports suggest the alleged plot extended beyond the military hierarchy, with senior government officials and prominent Nigerians listed as potential targets.
The plot has also been linked in some quarters to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade.
Separately, the residence of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva was reportedly searched over alleged links to the plot, although no formal charges have been announced.
General Musa dismissed the alleged coup plotters as lacking the capacity to challenge the Nigerian military.
I think these were a bunch of unserious individuals, he said. I don’t know what made them think they could take on the Armed Forces.
He added that any attempt to subvert democracy would have faced resistance not only from the military but also from Nigerians, noting the country’s long struggle against military rule.
Nigerians would have fought them, he said, stressing that President Tinubu himself was part of the pro-democracy movement.
Nigeria experienced a series of military coups between 1966 and 1993 before returning to civilian rule in 1999. Since then, the country has remained democratic despite security and political challenges.
The alleged coup plot comes amid a wave of military takeovers and failed attempts across West Africa, including a reported failed coup in neighbouring Benin Republic late last year.
