The Minister of Defence, Retired General Christopher Musa, revealed yesterday that he was a primary target in a recently uncovered coup plot. He explained that the plan involved his arrest and possible elimination if he resisted the plotters’ attempts.
Describing the alleged conspirators as “unserious individuals,” Musa confirmed that the threat was significant enough to prompt immediate action. Several suspects have already been apprehended, while others remain at large and are being pursued internationally through Interpol.
The foiled coup, which has recently dominated headlines, reportedly involved a coordinated effort by military officers, security personnel, and civilians aiming to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Over a dozen active military officers are currently detained, with several civilians still evading capture.
Speaking on Channels Television, Musa expressed disbelief that the officers involved could even consider forcefully taking over the government. “Even if they weren’t caught, Nigerians would have strongly resisted them,” he said.
“I was personally targeted. They planned to arrest me, and if I refused, I was to be shot,” the 58-year-old former CDS stated. “That’s the nature of such plots—success or failure comes with clear consequences.” He emphasized that the plotters were inexperienced and ill-prepared to execute such a complex operation.
Intelligence agencies reportedly uncovered secret meetings and communications among active and retired officers, with alleged civilian support, aiming to disrupt Nigeria’s constitutional order. During the investigation, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Timipre Sylva was mentioned, prompting further scrutiny. Sylva is currently abroad.
Musa stressed that Nigerians would have opposed the coup as they historically have, calling the plotters’ actions reckless. “They need to reset their brains; they will face the consequences,” he warned. Most suspects are in custody, and authorities continue to track those still on the run.
Defending the military’s initial silence on the plot, Musa said the approach was deliberate to avoid public panic and prevent innocent people from being falsely accused. “We conducted a thorough, holistic investigation involving the DIA, NIA, DSS, and other agencies to ensure no innocent person was implicated,” he explained.
He also noted that successfully executing a coup in today’s Nigeria is nearly impossible and criticized young officers for being naïve and used by unknown influences. “The civilians involved are still being pursued by Interpol, and they will be brought to justice,” he added.
Regarding the alleged ethnic dimension of the plot, Musa said the leader likely chose collaborators based on familiarity rather than ethnicity.
Musa further assured that Nigeria’s security partnership with Türkiye, which President Tinubu recently visited, will not undermine relations with the United States. “Nigeria’s non-aligned foreign policy allows cooperation with multiple countries. Strategic partnerships give us leverage,” he said, citing Egypt as an example.
He revealed that military equipment and technology from Türkiye will soon arrive in Nigeria, alongside programs for military education, joint training, and defense industry development. “The agreements focus on capacity building, training, and technology transfer, ensuring Nigerian ownership of equipment produced locally,” he stated.
Finally, Musa hinted that he is considering formally joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the party has long provided him a platform to serve since his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff.
