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Nigeria’s defence minister, Christopher Musa, has said military officers arrested over a foiled coup plot against President Bola Tinubu knew the risks of their actions and are prepared to face the law.
Speaking during an interview with TRT World, Musa confirmed that 16 officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were taken into custody after security agencies uncovered what authorities describe as a serious threat to national stability.
The arrests mark one of the most serious internal security cases under Tinubu’s presidency, raising concerns about military discipline and civilian control in Africa’s most populous country. Senior officials say the investigation shows how intelligence agencies moved early to prevent a wider crisis.
According to Musa, the officers involved acted with full awareness of the possible consequences. He stressed that the government remains committed to due process and transparency as the case moves forward.
Read Also: Colonel Who Allegedly Plotted Coup To Overthrow Tinubu
“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered the consequences for themselves and their families,” Musa said during the interview.
The Defence Headquarters first announced on October 4, 2025, that several officers were under investigation for acts of indiscipline and breaches of service rules. At the time, officials did not publicly link the arrests to a coup attempt.
That changed on January 26, when the military confirmed that the detentions were connected to a foiled plot to overthrow President Tinubu. Security sources said the plan was uncovered in late September 2025 through joint intelligence work involving the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, and the Defence Intelligence Agency.
Military officials said the alleged plot included plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other senior government figures. Investigators also believe the suspects intended to detain top military commanders to weaken the chain of command.
Read Also: Alleged Coup: Military Ends Investigation, Indicts Officers
Reuters and the BBC have previously reported that Nigerian security agencies have increased internal monitoring following recent coup attempts in parts of West Africa, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Musa said the accused officers would be given a fair and open trial, with full access to legal counsel of their choice. He added that the government has taken steps to ensure that the families of those detained are not punished for actions they did not commit.
“Even so, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly,” he said. “Their wives and children will not be abandoned.”
According to the defence minister, welfare measures are already in place to support the families while legal proceedings continue. He said this approach reflects the military’s responsibility to uphold justice without creating additional hardship.
“The perpetrators already know the repercussions of their actions, and I am sure they are ready to face the consequences,” Musa added.
The Defence Headquarters has not released a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation or the start of formal court proceedings. Legal experts say the case is likely to be handled through a military tribunal, given the ranks of those involved and the nature of the allegations.
