Coup Plotters Were Foolhardy, Even Civilians Would’ve Taken Them Down

Coup Plotters Were Foolhardy, Even Civilians Would’ve Taken Them Down — Defence Minister

Defence Minister Christopher Musa called alleged coup plotters against President Tinubu reckless and disorganised, saying civilians could have stopped them, while insisting the ongoing court martial is transparent and justified.

Defence Minister Christopher Musa has described officers accused of plotting to overthrow the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as reckless and poorly organised, saying ordinary Nigerians could have defeated them without military intervention.

Musa made the remarks on Arise News on Friday as the court martial of officers linked to the alleged October 2025 coup plot continues.

“Even the civilians in Nigeria would have taken them down. So I think it was just foolhardy for them to have done what they wanted to do,” he said.

He said the individuals involved were confused and misled junior officers into what he described as a failed and reckless operation.

“I just looked at the people that were involved and I shook my head, because they are just a bunch of confused individuals that exposed very junior officers,” Musa said.

The minister expressed sympathy for lower-ranked personnel involved, describing them as victims of manipulation by senior officers.

“We always feel bad when we see our colleagues in this situation,” he said, adding that due process is being followed in their prosecution.

Musa insisted that the investigation and court martial proceedings were transparent, with accused officers given full opportunity to defend themselves.

He also maintained that the alleged plot had no justification, arguing that conditions within the armed forces were stable, including salaries and welfare.

“Efforts have been made to even increase our allowances. Our troops are doing quite well,” he said.

Reaffirming support for democratic governance, Musa said military rule was unacceptable and stressed that the episode should serve as a warning to junior officers.

“Democracy is far, far better than any military regime,” he added.

The alleged coup plot, first reported in late 2025, has led to ongoing military trials of accused officers, with investigations said to have begun after intelligence alerts were received by security agencies.