Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has disclosed that he was among the key officials marked for arrest or assassination in the foiled coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, uncovered by Nigerian security agencies.
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Musa made the revelation while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he said intelligence reports showed that the coup plotters planned to arrest him, and to shoot him if he resisted.
“I was also a target. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” the defence minister said.
He described the plotters as “a bunch of very unserious individuals,” noting that they grossly underestimated the strength of Nigeria’s armed forces, the resilience of the country’s democratic institutions, and the resolve of Nigerians.
According to Musa, the plot involved coordinated plans to detain senior political and security figures, with provisions for lethal force against anyone who opposed them. He stressed that the scheme posed a grave threat to national security and constitutional order.
“If you look at the calibre of the individuals involved, I really don’t know what got into their heads to think they could take on the armed forces like that,” he said.
Musa recalled that Nigerians have historically resisted unconstitutional takeovers, adding that even without the intervention of the military, the plot would not have gained public support.
“Even without the armed forces, Nigerians would have stood against them,” he said.
The defence minister reiterated that those who venture into coup plots are fully aware of the risks and consequences, describing the alleged conspirators as reckless and misguided.
In October 2025, reports revealed that coup plotters had earmarked President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other top officials for assassination or arrest. Security sources disclosed that Musa, who was then the Chief of Defence Staff, was among those slated for arrest.
Sixteen military officers were arrested in late September 2025 over the plot, initially described by military authorities as cases of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. However, a statement by the Defence Headquarters on 4 October confirmed that preliminary investigations linked the plot to grievances over career stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.
Musa confirmed this position, stating that the alleged leader of the plot, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, was disgruntled over his failure to secure promotion.
“He didn’t meet the marks required. The military is very strict about promotion exercises,” Musa said.
Following the failed coup attempt, President Tinubu sacked the service chiefs, including Musa, retaining only Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye. Oluyede was later elevated to Chief of Defence Staff, while Undiandeye remained Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Amid heightened tensions and renewed security concerns, Musa was later recalled and appointed Minister of Defence, replacing Mohammed Badaru, who stepped down on health grounds.
On 26 January, the military officially confirmed the existence of the coup plot, announcing that indicted officers would be arraigned in court. Sources said a total of 40 suspects have so far been arrested and will face trial.
Musa urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged in national affairs, stressing that national stability and democratic governance require collective responsibility.
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