Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said the military officers arrested in connection with the foiled coup were fully aware of the grave consequences of their actions, noting that they “must have made up their minds” before proceeding.
In October 2025, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the detention of 16 officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, over what it described as acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
The DHQ later confirmed on January 26 that the arrests were linked to a plot to violently overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu.
The alleged plot, uncovered through joint intelligence from the army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), reportedly involved plans to assassinate President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other senior officials, as well as detain top military leaders.
Speaking on TRT World, Musa emphasized that the accused would receive a fair trial with access to legal counsel of their choice.
He further reassured that the government is providing support to the families of the alleged plotters, despite the seriousness of the charges.
According to Musa, the officers must have weighed the consequences of their actions, including the effect on their families, before proceeding.
He added that the government is committed to ensuring the families are treated fairly, even as the accused face justice.
“The perpetrators already understand the repercussions, and I am confident they are prepared to face the consequences,” the minister said.
