Officers behind foiled coup knew they faced death penalty — Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has stated that the military officers arrested over the failed coup “must have made up their minds” about the consequences of their actions.

In October 2025, 16 officers—including a brigadier general and a colonel—were detained for “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations,” according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

On January 26, the DHQ confirmed that the arrests were linked to a plot to violently overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.

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 also reassured that the government is supporting the families of the alleged plotters.

“They must have considered the consequences when they decided to do this, including the impact on their families,” Musa said.

“Even so, the government is ensuring their families are treated fairly.

“The perpetrators already know the repercussions, and I’m sure they are ready to face the consequences.”