Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has dismissed the officers accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu as misguided individuals whose alleged plan stood no chance of succeeding, insisting that ordinary Nigerians would have resisted them even without military intervention.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Musa described the alleged coup plotters as “foolhardy,” arguing that they lacked both the support and capacity required to destabilise the country’s democratic system. According to him, the group behind the plot consisted of confused individuals who dragged inexperienced junior officers into a dangerous and ultimately doomed venture. He stated that the level of public rejection such an action would have faced was so overwhelming that civilians themselves would have confronted and stopped the plotters.
The Defence Minister expressed disappointment over the identities of some of the officers allegedly involved, saying he was shocked when details of those linked to the plot emerged. He lamented that junior military personnel were allegedly misled by more senior figures, leaving them to face severe consequences for decisions they may not have fully understood. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Musa also addressed the ongoing court martial proceedings involving officers accused of participating in the October 2025 coup conspiracy. He maintained that the military had followed due process from the beginning of the investigation and that all suspects were being given a fair opportunity to defend themselves. According to him, the investigation was thorough, transparent, and backed by clear evidence, adding that authorities were committed to ensuring justice is carried out according to military regulations and established legal procedures.
The minister further argued that there was no justification for any attempt to overthrow the government, insisting that members of the armed forces had been treated fairly under the current administration. He noted that military salaries had remained stable while efforts were also being made to improve allowances and welfare packages for troops serving across the country. Musa stressed that the armed forces were functioning effectively and had no reason to support any unconstitutional move against the government.
Reaffirming his support for democratic governance, the Defence Minister said the failed plot should serve as a lesson to younger officers about the dangers and consequences of military takeovers. He declared that democracy remains far superior to military rule and warned that any attempt to derail Nigeria’s democratic process would continue to face stiff resistance from both security institutions and the wider public.
The alleged coup plot first came to public attention in late 2025 after intelligence reports led to the arrest of several military officers. Authorities later disclosed that the conspiracy was allegedly linked to a disgruntled colonel who had failed to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general. Although military authorities initially downplayed reports of a coup attempt, investigations eventually led to the confirmation that several officers would face trial before a court martial over their alleged involvement.
Musa’s latest comments come as proceedings against the accused officers continue, with the military leadership determined to demonstrate its commitment to constitutional order and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
