What coup plotters deliberate for me, others

[ad_1] The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has confirmed that he was among the many people focused for arrest or assassination within the foiled coup plot uncovered by Nigerian safety businesses.

Talking throughout Sunday Politics, a Channels TV programme, Mr Musa, a retired Nigerian Military basic, disclosed that intelligence gathered throughout investigations confirmed he had been particularly listed as a goal by the coup plotters.

“I used to be speculated to be arrested, and if I refused, I used to be speculated to be shot,” he mentioned on Sunday.

In October 2025, PREMIUM TIMES solely reported how the coup plotters marked key authorities officers for assassination and arrest.

A safety supply with direct information of the matter had advised this newspaper that the coup plotters deliberate to kill President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and different high officers.

The supply added that folks like Mr Musa who was then the Chief of Defence Employees, had been to be arrested.

Extra particulars of plan Mr Musa mentioned the plot included coordinated strikes to detain key figures throughout the political and safety institution, with provisions for deadly drive in opposition to anybody who resisted.

He described the event as a grave risk to nationwide safety and constitutional order, stressing that the plan demonstrated a harmful stage of recklessness by these concerned.

The official mentioned the alleged conspirators underestimated each the Nigerian state and the general public, noting that such actions wouldn't have obtained help from residents.

“Even with out the armed forces, Nigerians may have stood in opposition to him,” Mr Musa mentioned, recalling how Nigerians have fought in opposition to the navy prior to now.

He added that anybody who ventures right into a coup plot understands the dangers and penalties, describing the plotters as “unserious people.”

Background This newspaper reported that 16 officers had been arrested in late September 2025 for plotting a coup to topple the administration of President Tinubu.

Army authorities initially mentioned the officers had been arrested for “indiscipline and breach of service laws.”

In an announcement issued on 4 October, the Defence Headquarters mentioned preliminary findings advised the officers’ grievances had been linked to “profession stagnation and failure in promotion examinations.”

Mr Musa reiterated this level in his newest look on Channels TV. Referring to the chief of the coup, Mohammed Ma’aji, a colonel, the defence minister mentioned he was disgruntled “as a result of he was not promoted.”

Noting that the navy could be very strict about its promotion workouts, Mr Musa mentioned the colonel “didn’t meet the marks to be promoted.”

After the failed coup try, President Tinubu sacked the service chiefs together with Mr Musa. He retained solely Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye.

Mr Oluyede, who beforehand served as Chief of Military Employees, was elevated to Chief of Defence Employees, changing Mr Musa, whereas Mr Undiandeye remained in his function as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

Later, amid heightened tensions following claims by US President Donald Trump of a “Christian genocide,” Mr Musa was recalled and appointed Minister of Defence, changing Muhammed Badaru, who stepped down citing well being causes.

On 26 January, the navy lastly admitted that the coup plot was certainly true. It acknowledged that indicted officers might be arraigned in court docket.