Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has revealed that he was one of the key targets in a failed coup plot uncovered by the military, disclosing that the plotters planned to shoot him if he resisted arrest.
General Musa made the revelation during an interview on Sunday Politics, a current affairs program aired on Channels Television. His comments come days after the military confirmed that several officers arrested in October would soon face trial over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“I was also a target, I am sure you know,” the defence minister said during the interview. “I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot.”
The disclosure has added fresh details to the unfolding case, which has raised serious concerns about discipline and loyalty within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
General Musa, who served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) before his appointment as defence minister, is one of the most senior security figures in the country. His claim that he was marked for arrest and possible execution highlights the gravity of the alleged plot.
In October last year, the Defence Headquarters announced the arrest of 16 military officers over what it described at the time as acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The announcement, however, did not initially mention a coup attempt.
At the time, the military said the arrests were part of internal efforts to maintain discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.
However, new details emerged last week when the military disclosed that further investigations had uncovered more serious allegations against some of the arrested officers.
According to the Defence Headquarters, intelligence findings showed that some of the officers were allegedly involved in plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Tinubu.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military said the alleged actions of the officers were completely against the values and ethics of the armed forces.
“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 Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Uba stated.
He added that the officers implicated in the plot would be prosecuted in line with military laws.
“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,” he said.
General Musa’s comments suggest that the alleged plot went beyond plans to destabilise the government and included moves to arrest or eliminate senior military and government officials seen as obstacles.
Nigeria has a long history of military coups, particularly between the 1960s and 1990s, when several governments were overthrown by force. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, the country has worked to keep the military under civilian control and prevent a return to military rule.
The Tinubu administration, which took office in May 2023, has repeatedly pledged to uphold democratic values and strengthen institutions, including the armed forces.
The alleged coup plot comes at a time when Nigeria is facing multiple challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and political tension. These pressures have raised concerns among observers about the stability of democratic governance in the country.
Reacting to the development, political analysts say the decision to subject the accused officers to trial under military law shows the armed forces’ determination to deal firmly with internal threats.
They also note that transparency in handling the case is important to maintain public trust and reassure Nigerians that democracy remains secure.
General Musa, during the interview, did not disclose the names or ranks of the officers involved, nor did he give further details about how the plot was uncovered. However, he praised the intelligence and counterintelligence efforts that helped expose the alleged plan.
He stressed the need for loyalty, discipline, and professionalism within the armed forces, noting that the military must always remain subordinate to civilian authority.
“The armed forces exist to protect the constitution and the people, not to undermine them,” a security expert said while commenting on the case.
Public reactions to the revelations have been mixed. While many Nigerians expressed shock that such a plot could be planned in the current democratic era, others commended the military for detecting and stopping it before it could be carried out.
The military has assured Nigerians that the situation is under control and that there is no threat to national stability.
Major General Uba reiterated that the armed forces remain united, loyal to the constitution, and committed to defending Nigeria’s democracy.
As the country awaits the commencement of the trials, attention remains focused on how the case will be handled and what lessons will be drawn to prevent similar incidents in the future.
For General Musa, the revelation that he was a direct target in the alleged plot underscores the personal risks faced by those tasked with safeguarding national security.
The failed coup plot, though foiled, serves as a reminder of Nigeria’s past and the need for constant vigilance to protect democratic rule.