Foiled Coup: Arrested Officers Knew Risks, Ready to Face Consequences – Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has said that military officers arrested over the foiled coup plot against President Bola Tinubu were fully aware of the consequences of their actions before embarking on the plan.

Musa made this known during an interview on TRT World, a Turkish international broadcaster, where he assured that the accused officers would be given a fair and transparent trial, including unrestricted access to legal counsel of their choice.

According to the Defence Minister, the Federal Government is also taking steps to ensure that the families of the detained officers are protected and treated fairly, despite the gravity of the allegations.

“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered their families,” Musa said.
“But even at that, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly. Their wives and children are not left alone.”

He stressed that the alleged coup plotters were conscious of the repercussions of their actions and are prepared to face the full weight of the law.

“The perpetrators already know the repercussion of their action, and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath,” he added.

Recall that 16 military officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, were arrested by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in October 2025 over their alleged involvement in the plot.

On January 26, the DHQ officially confirmed that intelligence agencies had uncovered a coordinated plan to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to the military, the plot—detected in late September 2025—was exposed through joint intelligence operations involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

The alleged plan reportedly included attempts to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other top government officials, as well as the planned arrest of senior military leaders.