The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has revealed that he was among the high-profile individuals marked as targets in an alleged coup plot, disclosing that the plotters intended to shoot him if he resisted arrest.
General Musa made the revelation while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, coming just days after the Nigerian military announced that some of the sixteen officers arrested in October would be prosecuted over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“I was also a target, I am sure you know,” the minister, who previously served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), stated during the programme.
“I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” the Kaduna-born officer further disclosed.
The military had earlier announced in October that it arrested “sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” At the time, the arrests were framed largely as internal disciplinary measures within the Armed Forces.
However, authorities last week provided further clarification, stating that “findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the AFN.”
Providing an update on the process, the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said, “Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.”
Reports surrounding the alleged coup attempt suggested that several senior government officials and notable political figures were pencilled down for assassination as part of the plan. The plot has also been linked in some quarters to the abrupt cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade.
There were also claims that the residence of a former Bayelsa State governor, Timipre Sylva, was raided in connection with the investigation into the alleged coup plot.
Reacting to the development, General Musa dismissed the masterminds of the plot as “unserious individuals,” questioning their capacity to challenge the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“I think these guys were a bunch of unserious individuals. If you look at the calibre of persons [involved in the attempted coup], I don’t know what got into their heads to think they can take on the Armed Forces like that,” the minister said.
He further noted that Nigerians themselves would have resisted any attempt to return the country to military rule.
“What I even said is that even Nigerians would have fought them. Remember, Nigerians have fought against military rule for quite some time. Mr President has been one of them, so for them to wake up one morning and think they can do that in Nigeria, I think they need to reset their brain,” he added.
Nigeria’s political history has been shaped by repeated military interventions, particularly between 1966 and 1993. However, the country has remained under democratic governance since 1999, marking over two decades of uninterrupted civilian rule.
The alleged coup attempt occurred against the backdrop of a resurgence of military takeovers and failed coups across parts of West Africa, including a reported coup attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic late last year.
What you should know
General Christopher Musa’s revelation underscores the seriousness of the alleged coup plot and highlights the level of threat faced by top government officials.
The military’s decision to move from arrests to formal trials signals a tougher stance against internal dissent within the Armed Forces.
Coming at a time of growing instability and coups in parts of West Africa, the incident reinforces Nigeria’s determination to protect its democratic system, maintain civilian rule, and prevent any reversal to military governance.
