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A foiled plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government was doomed from the start, Nigeria’s defence minister has said, insisting that ordinary citizens would have resisted any attempt to seize power.
Christopher Musa, speaking in an exclusive interview with Arise TV, dismissed the alleged conspiracy as the work of “a bunch of confused individuals.”
“I just looked at the people that were involved, and I shook my head,” Musa said, referring to the serving and retired military officers, civilians and a cleric facing trial over the alleged coup.
“Even civilians would have taken them down,” he added.
The minister described the plot as a misguided and “foolhardy” venture that stood no chance of success under a democratic system.
He argued that the conspirators lacked any compelling reason to seize power, pointing to improved welfare for troops under Tinubu’s administration.
“They had no reason to do that. The country was going very well. The armed forces have been taken care of quite well. We’ve never had issues with our salaries,” Musa said.
“Efforts have been made to even increase our allowances. Our troops are doing quite well.”
Addressing the legal proceedings, Musa said the defendants would be allowed to present their defence before a court-martial.
“The prosecution is now ongoing, and the court-martial will go as planned. We are giving them all the benefits to defend themselves,” he said.
“But the facts on the ground are very, very clear, and I can tell you that we are following all the processes. Nothing is hidden.”
The alleged conspiracy was uncovered in September 2025. Initially, 16 military officers were arrested — 14 from the army and one each from the navy and air force. By January 2026, the number of suspects had risen to about 40.
According to investigators, the plotters planned not only to remove the government but also to eliminate key officials, including President Tinubu. They also allegedly intended to arrest senior military officers, including Musa, who was then serving as Chief of Defence Staff.
The plot was allegedly led by a colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, and led to the cancellation of the Independence Day parade.
Following the failed attempt, Tinubu reorganised the military high command. Five months later, Musa was recalled and appointed Minister of Defence, replacing Muhammed Badaru, who stepped down on health grounds.
Musa said the ongoing prosecution serves as “an opportunity to show the junior ones that this coup doesn’t pay,” adding that democracy is “far, far better than any military regime.”
