Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, says a foiled coup against President Bola Tinubu was planned by disgruntled officers before the president took office and included plans to use lethal force against opponents, including himself.
Musa told Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme that intelligence gathered during investigations showed the plot was underway in September and that those involved knew the risks.
“I was also a target… I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” he said.
He described the plotters as “unserious individuals” and questioned how they planned to succeed.
“If you look at the calibre of persons… I don’t know what got into their heads to think they can take on the Armed Forces like that,” Musa said.
The minister said intelligence agencies uncovered secret meetings and communications among serving and retired officers, and that the plan included assassination of government leaders and detention of senior military officials.
“The perpetrators already know the repercussion of their action, and… they are ready to face the wrath,” Musa said.
Authorities have arrested at least 16 officers over the alleged plot, and the Defence Headquarters says the suspects will be arraigned before a military judicial panel under the Armed Forces Act.
The government also said families of the accused would be looked after.
Musa urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and stressed that stability depends on collective responsibility, noting the plot showed “dangerous levels of recklessness.”
