Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, said the government thwarted an attempted coup inside Nigeria and helped suppress an attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin after receiving a direct appeal for assistance, according to an interview broadcast on Channels Television.
Musa, a retired general and former Chief of Defence Staff, told the programme that Nigerian security agencies uncovered a domestic plot involving military officers and civilian collaborators. He said the investigation began in October 2025, leading to the arrest of more than a dozen suspects now facing court-martial. The minister explained that the military initially denied the plot publically to protect the integrity of intelligence operations and prevent suspects from evading arrest.
The minister disclosed that he was personally targeted by the alleged conspirators, who planned to arrest him and shoot him if he resisted. Musa described the plotters as “very unserious individuals” and said they had underestimated both Nigeria’s democratic resilience and the discipline of its Armed Forces.
On regional stability, Musa said Nigeria responded swiftly to a direct call for help from the President of the Republic of Benin when dissident soldiers attempted to seize power there. With approval from President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian forces were mobilised and secured key areas within about 12 hours, helping to contain the threat and stabilise the situation. He said Nigerian troops remain in Benin and are being withdrawn gradually.
Musa said the rapid response in Benin demonstrated Nigeria’s military capability and commitment to regional constitutional order. Lawmakers had previously approved the troop deployment under the 1999 Constitution, reinforcing Nigeria’s role under regional security protocols.
Domestic critics of the government’s security record have highlighted persistent internal challenges, but Musa said that the episode reflects the strength of Nigeria’s civilian-led defence institutions and public opposition to military takeovers. He reiterated that executing a coup in Nigeria today would be “virtually impossible” without broad support within the armed forces and society.
Musa also stressed the importance of careful intelligence work and restraint in public communication on sensitive security issues, noting that premature disclosure could have compromised both domestic and regional operations.
