A joint monitoring approach enabled the Armed Forces to foil a planned coup, the Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, said last night.
According to him, a “disgruntled” Colonel, who failed his examination for promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General, initiated the plot and dragged others into it.
The rumour of an attempted coup broke in October last year, but the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) at the time dismissed it, saying there was no such development.
However, last month, the DHQ confirmed that there was indeed an attempted coup and that investigations had indicted 16 officers who are now to face court-martial.
Gen. Musa, who spoke on Channels Television last night, was the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) at the time the plot was uncovered.
He explained that the military did not immediately confirm the coup attempt when the rumour surfaced because of the need for a thorough investigation to uncover those behind it and to avoid arresting innocent officers.
According to him, it was better not to rush into admitting the existence of a coup plot until investigations revealed how it was planned and who masterminded it.
He described the plotters as “a bunch of unserious individuals” who grossly underestimated Nigeria’s democracy and military cohesion. He said security services had to closely monitor the suspected coupists to gather concrete evidence against them.
Investigations, he said, revealed that the planning of the coup began before the advent of the Tinubu Administration in 2023.
He dismissed claims that the plot was a reaction to current governance, saying: “These plans were hatched even before the President took office, once it was clear he had won the election.”
Describing the plot as potentially bloody, Musa said the coup was carefully monitored and dismantled before execution.
He added that he was personally listed as a target for arrest or assassination by the coupists.
“I was also a target. I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was to be shot. But that is the nature of the job,” he said.
According to him, the plot was driven by a disgruntled Colonel who failed to meet promotion requirements and attempted to recruit other dissatisfied elements within the system.
Most of those involved, he said, have been arrested, while international agencies, including Interpol, were tracking remaining civilian collaborators.
He, however, declined to name the indicted Colonel.
“The Armed Forces promotion system is strict. He didn’t qualify and decided to exploit others who felt aggrieved.
“Unfortunately, some young officers were misled and now face serious consequences,” Gen. Musa said, stressing that the military acted strictly on facts, not speculation.
“This investigation was holistic, involving the DIA, NIA, DSS and other agencies. We were deliberate and painstaking because coup allegations are grave and must be proven beyond doubt,” he said.
He maintained that executing a coup in modern-day Nigeria is nearly impossible, saying that the military is united and strongly committed to democracy.
“You can’t just wake up and attempt a coup in Nigeria today. Even Nigerians would have resisted them without the Armed Forces. The era of military takeovers is over,” he said.
On the welfare of families of the arrested officers, the Defence Minister said the Armed Forces were taking steps to ensure they were not unduly punished for the actions of their relatives.
“Sometimes people forget they have families. We have briefed them and are ensuring their welfare is protected,” he added.
Addressing broader security concerns, Gen. Musa said insecurity persists because of the complex nature of modern warfare, stressing that casualties are inevitable in active conflict zones.
“In war, nobody is immune. The enemy also wants to survive. What matters is our ability to neutralise threats quickly,” he said.
Gen. Musa added that the attempted coup had prompted a review and strengthening of the presidential security architecture.
“Such incidents expose gaps. Once identified, you strengthen them. That is exactly what we are doing,” he said, reaffirming the military’s loyalty to the Constitution and its resolve to defend Nigeria’s democracy at all costs.
On insecurity in the country, Gen. Musa said some individuals and communities were shielding terrorists and criminals.
He urged Nigerians to stop introducing primordial sentiments when criminality is involved.
Confirming that Sambisa Forest has been reclaimed by troops, Gen. Musa noted that terrorists usually flee to neighbouring countries when pressure is mounted on them.
He said Nigeria must move beyond divisive narratives rooted in geography and ethnicity, warning that such thinking continues to hold the country back.
“Every day we hear North, South, East and West. It does not help us. How long are we going to continue like this?
“When you travel outside the country, you see even smaller nations moving forward,” he said, citing Ethiopia’s transformation as an example.
He stressed that Nigeria is not as badly positioned as often portrayed, noting that only a few individuals project negative narratives about the country.
“Very few people give Nigeria a bad name globally, but we don’t celebrate the many Nigerians doing exceptionally well across all fields.
“Once you fail to celebrate the good, you create space for the bad,” he said.
On recent coup-related developments in the region, Gen. Musa said those involved acted foolishly and would face the consequences.
“Anyone who attempts a coup must be ready for the consequences. That is how it works,” he said.
He warned against reviving ethnic interpretations of past conflicts, insisting that Nigeria must draw lessons from history rather than dwell on it.
“We cannot, in 2026, still be talking about Biafra, coups and the civil war. So many people died on both sides.
“Everyone suffered losses. But no nation develops amid constant internal wrangling,” he said.
Gen. Musa defended the current administration, saying President Bola Tinubu has taken bold decisions that are beginning to yield results.
“Things are gradually picking up. The dollar is dropping. New policies have been introduced. Some people will always complain, especially those who benefited from the old system and now feel excluded,” he said.
He appealed to elders, religious leaders and traditional rulers to allow the younger generation chart a new course.
“Let us stop poisoning young minds with past grievances. Mistakes were made on all sides. We must draw a line, leave the past behind and focus on the future,” he said, referencing China’s transformation under Chairman Mao as an example of national reset.
Gen. Musa also highlighted Nigeria’s regional security role, saying Nigerian forces in December intervened to prevent a coup in the Benin Republic following a direct request from its president.
“It was a direct call to President Tinubu. With his approval, we mobilised and, within 12 hours, secured the situation.
“Our troops are still there and are being withdrawn gradually,” he said.
The minister confirmed that Nigerian troops were still on the ground in the Benin Republic, adding that plans were underway for their withdrawal.
He said the operation demonstrated Nigeria’s military capacity and underscored the need to build domestic defence capabilities through strategic partnerships.
On Nigeria’s defence cooperation with Turkey and other allies, Gen. Musa said the focus is shifting from procurement to local production.
“We don’t want to keep buying equipment and importing everything. This time, we want co-production using our Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), so we can build capacity, create jobs, save foreign exchange and support security across the region,” he said.
According to him, the agreements cover military education, exchange programmes, training, co-production of hardware, maintenance and availability of spare parts.
“It is a holistic approach. If we get it right, Nigeria can support neighbouring countries and strengthen security across Africa,” Gen. Musa added.
On political affiliation, the Defence Minister indicated he might formally join the All Progressives Congress (APC), noting that he was transitioning from a military career into politics.
He added that the confidence reposed in him through his appointment as minister shortly after his retirement made it imperative for him to give full support to the President.
