Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Minister of Defense, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has clarified why the military initially withheld information regarding a failed coup attempt against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Speaking on a national television program, the Minister explained that the sensitivity of the situation required a thorough investigation to ensure all facts were verified before a public statement was made.
The Minister emphasized that the attempt was a result of gross indiscipline and that those involved are fully aware of the grave consequences of their actions. He noted that the military’s priority was to maintain national stability and prevent panic while the intelligence services worked to identify all conspirators involved in the plot, which reportedly originated in late 2025.
The development was also extensively covered by Channels TV, where the Minister was quoted saying: “Coup is such a serious thing that we don’t want to say this today and tomorrow we say another thing.” Premium Times corroborated the story, adding that security at the Presidential Villa has been significantly bolstered. A security analyst featured in their report noted: “The transparency now being shown by the defense headquarters is a sign of internal confidence.”
Echotitbits take:
This admission highlights the lingering fragility in the West African democratic landscape, following a wave of successful coups in neighboring countries. By coming clean, the government is attempting to project strength and control. Watch for potential court-martials in the coming weeks, as the military seeks to use these “consequences” to deter any further thoughts of insurrection within the ranks.
Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/02/coup-attempt-i-was-targeted-for-elimination-says-defence-minister/, and February 2, 2026
Photo credit: ThisDay
