ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has confirmed that a coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration was successfully foiled, describing those involved as “confused junior officers who didn’t know their left from their right.”
Speaking on the incident, Musa said the security establishment acted swiftly after intelligence revealed the plot, adding that senior military leadership played a key role in identifying and reporting the threat.
“We were the ones who actually identified and reported the coup. I was the one who convened the committee that carried out the investigation,” he said. “What we are trying to do now is to show the junior ones that coups don’t pay. Democracy is far better than any military regime.”
The Defence Minister further stated that he and other top military officials were among the intended targets of the alleged plot, which reportedly included plans to detain or assassinate key government figures.
“I looked at the people who were involved, and I just shook my head because they’re just a bunch of confused individuals — very junior officials who didn’t know their left from their right,” Musa added.
Background to the Alleged Plot
The alleged coup attempt was uncovered in October 2025 following coordinated intelligence operations involving the Nigerian Army, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Sixteen military officers drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force were arrested in connection with the plot. Among them were a Brigadier-General and a Colonel.
While initial reports described the arrests as “acts of indiscipline,” the Defence Headquarters later confirmed in January 2026 that the case involved a coordinated attempt to overthrow the government.
Authorities alleged that the plan included targeting President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other top officials, as well as detaining senior military commanders.
Government Response
Musa said the incident underscores the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to constitutional rule and democratic governance, stressing that coups are no longer acceptable under the current system.
He added that those involved would face trial under military law, while assurances had been made regarding the welfare of their families.
The Federal Government has since reiterated its commitment to strengthening internal security and preventing any future attempts at unconstitutional power seizure.
The case remains under active judicial and military review, with proceedings expected to reinforce the government’s stance that “democracy is irreversible” in Nigeria.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some Nigerians welcoming the prevention of the alleged coup, while others have called for transparency and due process in the handling of the accused officers.
