The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that he was among key officials targeted in an alleged coup plot uncovered by the Nigerian military.
General Musa, who also serves as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), made the revelation on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, days after the Armed Forces announced plans to try some officers over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.
“I was also a target,” the minister said. “I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot.”
He spoke against the backdrop of last October’s arrest of 16 military officers for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Last week, the military confirmed that investigations had linked some of the detained officers to allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, an action it described as inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, officers found to have cases to answer would be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels in line with the Armed Forces Act and other service regulations.
Reacting to the development, General Musa described those behind the alleged plot as “unserious individuals,” questioning their belief that they could succeed against the Nigerian military.
“I don’t know what got into their heads to think they could take on the Armed Forces like that,” he said.
The defence minister added that Nigerians themselves would have resisted any attempt to return the country to military rule, noting the long history of public opposition to coups.
“Nigerians have fought against military rule for quite some time. Mr President himself was part of that struggle. For anyone to think they could just wake up and stage a coup in Nigeria, they need to reset their brain,” he stated.
Reports have indicated that several senior government officials were listed as targets in the alleged plot, which has also been linked to the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade. The residence of former Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Sylva, was also reportedly raided in connection with the investigations.
Nigeria experienced a series of military coups between 1966 and 1993 but returned to democratic rule in 1999. The alleged plot comes amid renewed concerns following recent military takeovers and attempted coups in parts of West Africa, including a foiled attempt in neighbouring Benin Republic.
