Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has described the alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration as “foolhardy,” insisting the conspirators lacked public support and would have failed even without military intervention.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), who now serves in the Tinubu administration, said the alleged plotters misjudged the mood of the country and dragged inexperienced junior officers into what he called a doomed mission.
“Anybody thinking about planning a coup is wasting their time. Even the civilians in Nigeria would have taken them down,” Musa said.
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“So I think it was just foolhardy for them to have done what they wanted to do.”
His comments come as the military intensifies court martial proceedings and federal prosecution against officers, civilians and other suspects accused of involvement in the alleged October 2025 coup conspiracy.
The minister expressed disappointment over the calibre of individuals allegedly linked to the plot, describing them as “confused individuals” who manipulated younger officers.
“I looked at the people involved and shook my head because they are just a bunch of confused individuals who exposed very junior officers, who could not tell their left from their right, and dragged them into this mess,” he said.
Musa maintained that the armed forces were following due process in prosecuting the suspects, stressing that investigations had been extensive and transparent.
“The investigation was very thorough. The prosecution and court martial are ongoing, and we’re giving them all the benefits to defend themselves. But the facts on the ground are very clear, and we’re following all the processes. Nothing is hidden,” he stated.
The minister also argued that there was no justification for any attempt to overthrow the current administration, claiming welfare conditions within the military had improved significantly under Tinubu’s government.
“The country was going very well. The armed forces have been taken care of quite well. We’ve never had issues with our salaries, and efforts have been made to even increase our allowances. Our troops are doing quite well,” he said.
Musa further defended democracy as Nigeria’s preferred system of government, saying the alleged plot should serve as a warning to younger military officers against unconstitutional actions.
“Democracy is far, far better than any military regime. This is an opportunity to show the junior ones that coups do not pay,” he added.
The alleged conspiracy first surfaced publicly in late 2025 after security agencies reportedly uncovered plans linked to disgruntled military officers. Earlier disclosures from military authorities suggested the plot dated back to preparations surrounding the May 29, 2023 presidential inauguration.
According to Musa, intelligence gathered by the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services exposed the network before any operational phase could commence.
He also addressed speculation surrounding his removal as Chief of Defence Staff shortly after reports of the alleged coup emerged.
President Tinubu had replaced the service chiefs in October 2025 before later appointing Musa as Minister of Defence weeks later.
“That was a presidential decision. I have spent over 34 years in service, so at any time at the discretion of the president, I could be relieved,” he said.
“Five weeks later, I am back to show that it was not because I was involved in anything. Far from it. We were actually the ones that uncovered the coup attempt.”
The federal government has since arraigned six suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges bordering on treason, terrorism and money laundering.
Those facing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni and Kaduna-based cleric Abdulkadir Sani.
Former Bayelsa governor Timipre Sylva was also mentioned in court filings, although authorities claimed he left the country before the alleged conspiracy was uncovered.
During recent proceedings, prosecutors reportedly played recorded video confessions in court in which some defendants acknowledged discussions about overthrowing the government, although several denied active participation in any operational plan.
