Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has disclosed that he was personally targeted in an alleged coup plot uncovered late last year, with plans to arrest him and shoot him if he resisted.
The revelation came during an interview on Channels Television's Sunday Politics programme on February 1, 2026. Musa, who previously served as Chief of Defence Staff before his appointment as defence minister, stated: “I was also a target, I am sure you know. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot.”
The comments follow the Defence Headquarters' (DHQ) January 26, 2026, confirmation that some of the 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 would face trial for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government. Initially, the arrests in early October were described by military authorities as relating to “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” However, subsequent investigations revealed allegations of a more serious conspiracy inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Samaila Uba, stated in late January that findings had identified officers involved in plotting to overthrow the government. “Those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations,” he said.
Investigations, involving joint intelligence from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), reportedly uncovered the plot in late September 2025. The scheme allegedly included plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other senior government figures, alongside arresting key military leaders like Musa, who was then CDS.
Reports from outlets including Premium Times and TheCable indicate the plot was planned before Tinubu's administration fully settled, possibly driven by grievances unrelated to current policies, such as career issues or failed promotions. Musa emphasized that the conspirators appeared misguided, describing them as “unserious individuals.” He questioned their judgment, saying, “If you look at the calibre of persons [involved], I don’t know what got into their heads to think they can take on the Armed Forces like that.”
The minister stressed public resistance as a deterrent, noting Nigeria's history of rejecting military rule since returning to democracy in 1999 after a series of coups from 1966 to 1993. “Even Nigerians would have fought them. Nigerians have fought against military rule for quite some time. Mr President has been one of them, so for them to wake up one morning and think they can do that in Nigeria, I think they need to reset their brain,” Musa said.
The alleged plot has been linked to broader regional instability, including recent coups and attempted takeovers in West Africa, such as a reported attempt in neighboring Benin Republic late last year. Musa highlighted Nigeria's role in thwarting the Benin incident swiftly upon request.
Additional details emerged that the conspiracy may have involved more than the initial 16 officers, with reports of up to 40 suspects detained, including civilians for roles in reconnaissance, funding, and incitement. A special investigative panel, led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence, expanded the probe beyond the original arrests.
The case has raised concerns about internal military discipline and loyalty amid economic challenges and security threats in Nigeria. Authorities have assured that the judicial process will proceed transparently under military law, where severe penalties, including potential death by firing squad for treasonous acts, could apply.
Musa's appointment as defence minister following his removal as CDS has been viewed in some circles as unrelated to the plot, though his role in helping foil it was acknowledged in discussions. He dismissed suggestions his current position was compensation, focusing instead on national security priorities.
The foiled attempt underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in parts of West Africa, where military interventions have surged in recent years. Nigerian officials continue to emphasize civilian oversight and the armed forces' commitment to constitutional order.
As proceedings advance, the outcome of the trials will likely influence perceptions of military cohesion and the government's handling of internal threats.
