Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has revealed chilling details of a foiled coup attempt that targeted not only the administration of President Bola Tinubu but also his own life. Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the retired General-turned-Minister disclosed that investigators uncovered a specific plot by rogue military officers to arrest and assassinate him during the early stages of the planned insurrection.
The plot, which first surfaced in late 2025, led to the arrest of several high-ranking officers, including Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq. General Musa stated that the conspirators viewed his leadership as a primary obstacle to their objective of “violently overthrowing” the federal government. He noted that the plotters had coordinated to strike on October 25, 2025, but were neutralized by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) just days before the execution.
“The coup plotters knew the consequences of their actions,” General Musa remarked, adding that the military has concluded its internal investigations. He confirmed that those indicted, including 16 senior officers from across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, will soon face a military court-martial. The Minister emphasized that the plot was not just a threat to the current government but a direct attack on the professional ethics and democratic stability of the Armed Forces.
General Musa was appointed Minister of Defence in December 2025 following the resignation of Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. His return to service came at a time of heightened tension, and he has since been a vocal advocate for military discipline. He assured the public and the international community, including the Nigerian diaspora, that the military remains loyal to the constitution and that any attempts to destabilize the nation will be met with “maximum force.”
The upcoming trials are expected to be held under strict security, as the government seeks to send a clear message that the era of military intervention in Nigerian politics is over. For many observers in the diaspora, this disclosure highlights the fragile security landscape General Musa is tasked with navigating as he works to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
