‘Officers Linked to Coup Plot Prepared for Consequences’

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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has stated that military personnel detained in connection with an alleged coup attempt were fully aware of the implications of their actions, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring they receive a fair and transparent trial.

Musa made the remarks during an interview with international broadcaster TRT World, where he also spoke about measures being put in place to support the families of the detained officers.

A total of 16 officers, among them a brigadier general and a colonel, were taken into custody in October 2025. At the time, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) explained that their arrest stemmed from acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations.

However, on January 26, the DHQ officially confirmed that the officers were implicated in a thwarted plan aimed at overthrowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Military authorities disclosed that the alleged conspiracy was uncovered toward the end of September 2025 through coordinated intelligence efforts involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

According to the military, the plot allegedly involved plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other top government officials, as well as to unlawfully detain senior military commanders.

Musa assured that the accused officers would be granted access to legal representation of their choosing and would be treated in line with the rule of law throughout the legal proceedings.

He noted that the officers must have carefully considered the consequences of their actions before embarking on such a course, including the impact on their families.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the defence minister emphasized that due process would not be compromised.

He further disclosed that the federal government is taking steps to ensure the welfare of the officers’ families, stressing that their spouses and children would not be neglected during the ongoing judicial process.

Musa reiterated that the suspects were fully conscious of the possible outcomes of their actions, adding that they appeared prepared to face whatever consequences may arise.

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