Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has made a startling revelation about a recently foiled coup plot, disclosing that he was among the individuals marked for arrest — and possible execution — by officers accused of attempting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
General Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), disclosed this during an interview on Sunday Politics on Channels Television, offering the most direct personal account so far of how close the alleged plot came to destabilising the country’s democratic order.
“If I Refused, I Was to Be Shot”
Speaking candidly on the programme, the Defence Minister confirmed that the alleged conspirators had drawn up plans to arrest senior military and government figures.
“I was also a target, I am sure you know,” Musa said.
“I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot.”
The disclosure has added a new layer of gravity to the unfolding case, which the Nigerian military only recently confirmed involved far more serious allegations than initially reported.
Background: From ‘Indiscipline’ to Coup Allegations
In October, the Nigerian military announced the arrest of 16 officers, citing “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.” At the time, the statement appeared routine, with little public indication of the scale or severity of the alleged offences.
However, last week, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that deeper investigations had uncovered allegations of a coordinated attempt to overthrow the federal government.
According to the military, intelligence findings linked some of the arrested officers to plans that went far beyond misconduct.
“These actions are inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” the military said in a follow-up briefing.
Officers to Face Court Martial
The Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, confirmed that officers found to have a case to answer would be formally prosecuted.
He said those implicated would be arraigned before a military judicial panel in line with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.
According to Uba, the process is intended to uphold discipline, protect democratic governance, and preserve internal cohesion within the Armed Forces.
Why the Allegation Is Significant
Security analysts say General Musa’s revelation is significant for several reasons:
- It confirms the plot was operational, with identified targets and potential use of lethal force.
- It underscores the seriousness of the threat, moving the narrative from speculation to confirmed intent.
- It highlights the vulnerability of senior leadership, including serving and former top military commanders.
The disclosure also reinforces the military’s claim that the alleged plot was not theoretical or exploratory, but involved concrete plans to neutralise key figures.
Nigeria’s History With Military Coups
Nigeria has a long and complex history of military coups, with multiple takeovers between 1966 and 1999. Since the return to civilian rule, the Armed Forces have repeatedly pledged loyalty to the constitution and democratic governance.
In recent years, coups in neighbouring West African countries — including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — have heightened concerns about regional contagion and internal security vulnerabilities.
Analysts say this context makes the alleged plot particularly sensitive, as Nigeria plays a central stabilising role in West Africa.
Key Implications
- Democratic Stability: The revelation reinforces the importance of vigilance against internal threats to civilian rule.
- Military Discipline: The case sends a strong message about zero tolerance for insubordination or unconstitutional actions.
- Civil–Military Relations: Transparency around the investigation may help reassure the public and international partners.
- National Security: The plot highlights the need for continuous intelligence monitoring within security institutions.
What Happens Next
The military judicial process is expected to proceed in stages, beginning with formal arraignment before a court martial. Legal observers say the trials will likely be conducted largely behind closed doors due to national security considerations.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of all officers involved or the full extent of the alleged plan, but officials insist that further details will emerge during the prosecution.
Why This Matters to Nigerians
For ordinary Nigerians, the revelation is a reminder that democratic institutions require constant protection — not only from external threats, but from internal actors entrusted with power and arms.
General Musa’s comments have shifted the story from abstract allegations to a deeply personal and national issue, underlining how close the country may have come to a serious constitutional crisis.
As investigations continue, attention will remain firmly on the military’s handling of the case and its broader implications for Nigeria’s democracy.
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