Defence Minister Dismisses Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu As ‘Foolhardy’

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has described the alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a misguided and “foolhardy” venture that had no realistic chance of succeeding.  

Speaking during an interview with Arise Television, Musa said the individuals accused of involvement in the alleged coup lacked both public support and the operational capacity required to destabilise the country’s democratic system.  

According to the Defence Minister, even ordinary Nigerians would have resisted any attempt to seize power through unconstitutional means.

“Even civilians would have taken them down,” Musa said while reacting to the ongoing prosecution of suspects linked to the alleged conspiracy.  

The minister described the alleged plotters as confused individuals who reportedly involved junior military officers in a venture he believed was destined to fail from the outset. He argued that the country’s democratic institutions and public sentiment had evolved beyond the era when military takeovers could easily gain acceptance.  

The alleged coup plot first came to public attention in late 2025 when military authorities began arresting serving officers suspected of planning to overthrow the federal government. Initial reports indicated that at least 16 officers were detained, though the number of suspects later expanded to include civilians, retired military personnel, and a cleric.  

Among those accused is Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, whom investigators have identified as the alleged architect of the failed operation. Military investigators believe he played a central role in coordinating logistics and planning for the conspiracy.  

The Defence Minister insisted that legal proceedings against the suspects would remain transparent and in accordance with established judicial and military procedures.

“The prosecution is now ongoing, and the court-martial will go as planned,” Musa stated, adding that all defendants would be given adequate opportunities to defend themselves.  

Serving military personnel implicated in the case are currently facing trial before a court-martial, while civilians and retired officers are being prosecuted through the civilian court system.  

Musa further argued that there was no justification for any attempt to overthrow the government, maintaining that the Armed Forces had received improved welfare support under the current administration, including salary stability and enhanced allowances for troops.  

The alleged conspiracy has remained one of Nigeria’s most significant security controversies in recent years, prompting extensive investigations across military and civilian circles. The case has also generated broader debates about internal security, military professionalism, and democratic stability in the country.  

As prosecutions continue, the federal government maintains that the alleged plot was successfully disrupted before it could advance beyond the planning stage, while security authorities insist that democratic governance remains firmly protected against unconstitutional threats.