Defence minister reveals he was targeted in coup attempt

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has revealed that he was among those targeted by officers plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government.

In a statement reported on February 1, 2026, Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), disclosed that he was among those targeted by military officers who plotted to topple the government of President Bola Tinubu. The revelation came in an interview or address covered by Daily Trust, highlighting the ongoing threats to national stability.

Details about the timing of the plot's discovery or the specific motivations remain undisclosed in available reports. No names of the implicated officers or outcomes of any investigations were provided. This disclosure underscores the security challenges facing the current administration in Nigeria.

As the Defence Minister, Musa's account emphasizes the personal risks involved, stating directly that he was to be shot as part of the coup attempt. The incident adds to concerns over political stability in the country.

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Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announces major changes in military leadership during a press conference, with images of new service chiefs in the background.
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Tinubu sacks service chiefs and appoints replacements

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President Bola Tinubu has dismissed Nigeria's service chiefs, including Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, and appointed new leaders amid swirling coup rumours. The changes include Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke as the 23rd Chief of Air Staff and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as the 25th Chief of Naval Staff, with General Oluyede named as the new CDS. The opposition African Democratic Congress has urged the president to explain the abrupt move.

The military high command in Nigeria has acknowledged that some officers plotted to unseat President Bola Tinubu. Reports from October last year detailed arrests of officers from captain to brigadier-general rank by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

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President Bola Tinubu met with Nigeria's service chiefs on Monday evening in Abuja, marking his first formal engagement with military leaders since appointing a new defence minister. The closed-door session addressed pressing security concerns amid ongoing threats like student abductions. Officials described it as a high-level effort to realign defence strategies.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu visited Maiduguri on Tuesday to commiserate with victims of Monday's multiple explosions. The blasts in Borno State capital killed over 20 people. Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume condemned the attacks and warned residents.

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Nigeria deployed ground and air troops to assist Benin Republic in thwarting a coup attempt against President Patrice Talon, the presidency has confirmed. The Nigerian Air Force played a key role in the operation, while ECOWAS sent its standby force to defend the country. Benin authorities arrested around a dozen soldiers, including the ringleaders, following the botched plot.

Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, has assured the Kebbi State Government and parents that the rescue operation for abducted schoolgirls is on the right track. Military equipment is being moved in to support the efforts. Meanwhile, the state governor demands answers over the withdrawal of troops prior to the abduction.

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A former Chief of the Air Staff has advised Nigeria's newly appointed service chiefs to approach their roles with boldness and decisiveness. The call comes amid recent changes in military leadership.

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