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.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have complained that their security details were withdrawn without explanation, one day before the Malava by-elections. They blame the government for attempting political intimidation. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has acknowledged the move but says it is due to security reasons, not politics.

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Attackers using tear gas and gunfire stormed Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri, during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The incident has triggered strong complaints from the opposition and calls for police reforms to prevent political misuse. The government has condemned the violence and promised an investigation.

Former Nigerian Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, detained by the EFCC since December 2025, has accused security agencies of plotting his rearrest immediately after release, defying a court bail order. His team reports DSS surveillance at Kuje prison, following weeks of delays in implementing bail from the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

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Sidelined Police Minister Senzo Mchunu testified before the Madlanga Commission on December 2, 2025, defending his decision to disband the National Political Killings Task Team as an inevitable step for an interim unit. He argued the team, established in 2018, was never meant to be permanent and had operated irregularly beyond 2022. The testimony comes amid allegations of political interference and links to criminal figures.

 

 

 

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