Defence Minister Christopher Musa revealed he was marked for assassination during a foiled 2025 coup attempt currently resulting in the court-martial of 16 military officers.
Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (retd.) has disclosed he was a primary target in a foiled plot to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking on Sunday Politics, Musa revealed that conspirators planned to eliminate key officials who resisted the takeover. “I was supposed to be arrested, and if I refused, I was supposed to be shot,” he stated.
The Nigerian military confirmed that 16 officers arrested in October 2025 will now face trial for the attempt. Major General Samaila Uba noted that investigations uncovered actions “inconsistent with the ethics and professional standards” of the Armed Forces. Initially dismissed as disciplinary issues, the case has escalated into a formal treason investigation involving high-level government targets and prominent figures.
The findings indicate the plotters aimed to seize strategic locations, including the Presidential Villa and Abuja’s international airport. Military authorities emphasized that those culpable will be arraigned before a judicial panel in accordance with the Armed Forces Act. General Musa, who recently transitioned from Chief of Defence Staff to Minister, reaffirmed his commitment to the administration despite the personal threats.