Alleged coup plotters aware of consequences, says Defence Minister

By Philip Nwosu

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has declared that military officers accused of plotting a coup fully understood the consequences of their actions and must face the law.

Speaking in an interview with TRT World, Musa said the alleged plotters were aware of the serious implications of attempting to overthrow a democratic government and had willingly chosen their path.

“Everybody knows the repercussions when you take such actions,” the minister said. “I’m sure they made up their minds and must have considered their families before embarking on such a course.”

He confirmed that the accused officers would be subjected to court-martial proceedings in line with military tradition and legal procedures.

“The announcement has already been made. They are going to face court-martials as usual. The process will be free and fair, and they will be allowed to engage their own legal counsel to defend their actions,” Musa stated.

While stressing that the officers must answer for their conduct, the minister assured that the federal government would not abandon their families. “Even at that, the armed forces and the government are ensuring that their families are treated fairly. The wives and children will be looked after,” he added.

According to him, the accused personnel were fully aware of the potential punishment awaiting them.

“The main perpetrators already know the repercussions of their actions, and I’m sure they are ready to face the consequences,” Musa said.

The minister also addressed allegations made by United States President Donald Trump that Christians were being specifically targeted and killed in Nigeria. Musa dismissed the claims as misinformation, insisting that insecurity in the country affects all Nigerians regardless of religion.

“Nigerians are being killed holistically – Christians, Muslims, atheists and all. What we want is for the killings to stop. That is what we are concentrating on,” he said.

He explained that attacks in the country are not driven by religious motives but by criminality and terrorism, adding that the military remains committed to protecting every Nigerian.

“Where Christians are more, more Christians will be affected. Where Muslims are more, more Muslims will be affected. Our focus is to protect all citizens,” he maintained.

Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to safeguarding democracy and ensuring national stability, warning that any attempt to undermine constitutional order would be firmly resisted.