Gen Musa: How coup attempt was foiled at planning stage

Defence Minister General Christopher Musa has revealed how Nigerian security agencies foiled a planned coup at the “planning stage”, describing the plotters as a disgruntled group led by a colonel who failed promotion to brigadier general.​

Speaking on Channels Television, Musa said the officer, angered by his failure to meet promotion requirements, began mobilising other aggrieved elements within the Armed Forces, but joint monitoring by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS) and other security outfits exposed the plot early. He explained that this was why the military initially denied rumours of a coup last October, insisting investigators needed time to identify the real conspirators and avoid arresting innocent officers.​

The Defence Headquarters has now confirmed that investigations indicted 16 officers who will face court martial, though Musa declined to name the mastermind colonel. He said most of those involved have been arrested, while Interpol and other international partners are tracking civilian collaborators.​

Musa, who was Chief of Defence Staff when the plot was uncovered, said the conspirators underestimated Nigeria’s democracy and military cohesion, calling them “a bunch of unserious individuals.” He disclosed that the planning started even before President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023, dismissing claims that it was a reaction to current governance.​

Describing the planned coup as potentially bloody, he said security agencies closely watched the suspects, gathered concrete evidence and dismantled the network before it could move beyond planning. He added that he was personally marked for arrest or assassination: “I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was to be shot. But that is the nature of the job.”​

Musa stressed that the Armed Forces’ promotion system is strict and merit based, noting that the lead conspirator failed the required examinations and then tried to exploit younger, disgruntled officers who now face severe consequences. He emphasised that the investigation was “holistic” and based strictly on facts, with coup allegations treated as a grave matter that must be proven beyond doubt.​

According to him, carrying out a coup in today’s Nigeria is “nearly impossible” because the military is united and committed to constitutional rule. He argued that even ordinary Nigerians would resist any attempt to topple democracy: “You can’t just wake up and attempt a coup in Nigeria today. The era of military takeovers is over.”​

On the welfare of detained officers’ families, Musa said the Armed Forces are ensuring they are not 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 said.​

The minister also used the interview to address wider security and political issues. He said insecurity persists partly because some individuals and communities still shield terrorists and criminals, and warned Nigerians against introducing ethnic or regional sentiments into crime and security debates.​

Musa confirmed that Sambisa Forest has been reclaimed by troops, noting that terrorists now tend to flee to neighbouring countries when pressure is applied. He urged citizens to move beyond divisive narratives of “North, South, East and West”, warning that constant internal wrangling is holding Nigeria back.​

He argued that Nigeria is not as badly positioned as often portrayed globally, saying only a few people tarnish the country’s image while the achievements of many outstanding Nigerians are under-celebrated. “Once you fail to celebrate the good, you create space for the bad,” he said.​

Commenting on the wave of coups in West Africa, Musa said those who seized power acted foolishly and must face the consequences. “Anyone who attempts a coup must be ready for the consequences. That is how it works,” he warned, insisting Nigeria should learn from past crises rather than reopen old wounds.​

He cautioned against reviving ethnic interpretations of the civil war and past coups, saying: “We cannot, in 2026, still be talking about Biafra, coups and the civil war. So many people died on both sides. No nation develops amid constant internal wrangling.”​

Defending President Tinubu’s administration, Musa said the government has taken tough but necessary decisions that are beginning to yield results, including a strengthening naira and new policy directions. He argued that those most vocal in criticism are often people who benefited from the old order and now feel excluded.​

He appealed to elders, religious figures and traditional rulers to stop “poisoning young minds with past grievances” and instead allow the younger generation to build a new future, citing China’s reforms under Chairman Mao as an example of a national reset.​

On regional security, Musa disclosed that Nigerian troops helped foil a coup attempt in Benin Republic in December after a direct request to President Tinubu from his Beninese counterpart. With Tinubu’s approval, Nigerian forces were deployed within 12 hours to secure the situation and remain on ground as their gradual withdrawal is being arranged.​

He said the operation showed both Nigeria’s military capacity and the importance of boosting local defence production. Musa explained that new agreements with partners like Turkey are focused not just on buying equipment but on co‑producing hardware in Nigeria through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).​

The strategy, he said, aims to build domestic capacity, create jobs, save foreign exchange and strengthen security across West Africa through local maintenance, spare parts and military training programmes. “If we get it right, Nigeria can support neighbouring countries and strengthen security across Africa,” he added.​

Musa also hinted at a formal move into partisan politics, saying he is considering joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) after transitioning from military service to public office. He said his appointment as Defence Minister soon after retirement has deepened his sense of obligation to fully support President Tinubu’s agenda.