Military Officers Behind Foiled Coup Aware of Consequences, Minister Says

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), confirmed that military officers arrested over the foiled October 2025 coup are fully aware of the consequences of their actions and are prepared to face justice.

Speaking on TRT World, a Turkish broadcaster, Musa assured that the accused, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, would receive a fair trial and have access to legal counsel of their choice.

“The perpetrators already know the repercussion of their action, and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath,” Musa said, adding that the government is ensuring that their families are well cared for. “Their family members are not left alone. The government is making sure that their wives and children are looked after,” he stated.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) arrested 16 officers in October 2025 after uncovering the plot in late September 2025 through joint intelligence from the Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). The alleged plan involved assassinating President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other top government officials, as well as detaining senior military leaders.

The DHQ officially confirmed the coup attempt on January 26, 2026, highlighting the seriousness of the threat to national security.