Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, has warned that anyone contemplating a coup against the government is “wasting their time”, describing those accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu as “a bunch of confused individuals”.
Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, Musa said the military officers and civilians currently facing prosecution over an alleged coup plot had been identified and investigated by security authorities, stressing that they are being given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
The alleged plot first came into focus after the federal government cancelled the military parade planned for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration in October 2025. Reports later emerged linking the decision to concerns over a possible attempt to unseat the government.
In January 2026, the Defence Headquarters confirmed that security agencies had uncovered a plot to overthrow Tinubu’s administration. Several military personnel, police officers and civilians accused of involvement are now facing prosecution.
Musa, who served as Chief of Defence Staff when the alleged conspiracy was uncovered, said he played a role in reporting the matter, identifying suspects and overseeing investigations.
He argued that democracy remains superior to military rule and said the case should serve as a lesson to younger military officers.
“What we are trying to do now is to show the junior ones that coup doesn’t pay anything. Democracy is far better than any military regime,” he said.
The minister criticised the alleged masterminds, claiming they misled junior officers into becoming involved.
“I just looked at the people that were involved, and I shook my head because they are just a bunch of confused individuals that exposed junior officers that didn’t know their left from their right and put them into this mess,” Musa said.
He maintained that members of the armed forces have no justification for supporting a coup, citing improvements in welfare, allowances and military equipment.
According to him, troops are receiving better support from the government, while efforts are ongoing to strengthen the military’s operational capacity.
Musa also expressed confidence that any future attempt to seize power would fail, insisting that Nigerians themselves would reject such a move.
“Anybody who is thinking of planning a coup is just wasting their time. Even the civilians in Nigeria will have taken them down,” he said.
