Defence Minister Christopher Musa has dismissed the alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration as a reckless and poorly conceived move, saying even ordinary Nigerians could have resisted the plotters without military involvement.
Speaking on Arise News on Friday, Musa described those behind the October 2025 coup plot as misguided individuals who dragged inexperienced junior officers into a failed mission.
According to him, the group lacked both public backing and strategic direction, making the attempt doomed from the outset.
“I looked at the people involved and could only shake my head,” he said, adding that many of the younger officers were misled into a situation they barely understood.
The minister expressed sympathy for the junior personnel facing trial, while insisting that due process was being followed through the ongoing court martial proceedings.
Musa maintained that investigations into the matter were thorough and transparent, stressing that all accused officers were being given the opportunity to defend themselves.
He also argued that the coup plot made little sense given the military’s welfare under the current administration, noting that salaries and allowances had improved and troops were adequately supported.
Reaffirming his support for democratic governance, Musa said the incident should serve as a lesson that military takeovers have no place in modern Nigeria.
The alleged conspiracy, which security agencies uncovered in September 2025, was reportedly linked to a dissatisfied colonel who failed to secure promotion to brigadier-general. Initial reports suggested the plan may have targeted Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.
Although the Defence Headquarters initially denied reports of a coup attempt, the military later confirmed that several officers arrested in connection with the case would face trial before a court martial.
