Coup: Defence Minister Christopher Musa breaks silence on arrested officers

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has assured that those recently arrested in connection with an alleged coup within the military are aware of the consequences they may face if found guilty.

In an interview with TRT World TV, Musa addressed concerns about the welfare of the accused and their families, stressing that the government is providing support while the legal process takes its course.

“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered their families,” Musa said. “But even at that, the government is ensuring that their families are treated fairly.”

He added that the suspects would face court-martial proceedings described as free and fair, with access to legal representation to defend themselves. Musa also reassured that families would not be left to fend for themselves. “The government is making sure that their wives and children are looked after,” he said, stressing that the accused understand the gravity of their actions.

“The perpetrators already know the repercussion of their action, and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath,” Musa concluded.

P.M.NEWS had earlier reported that the official confirmation of the alleged plot involving the detained military personnel came on January 26, 2026, following their initial arrests in October 2025.

At the time, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that those detained were being investigated for “acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.”

A special investigative panel later conducted a thorough probe, identifying a number of officers with cases to answer. The report, submitted to President Bola Tinubu, examined conduct inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The DHQ confirmed that those indicted will be arraigned before appropriate military judicial panels and will have access to legal representation, ensuring the process adheres strictly to the law.

Security sources emphasised that while the legal system will hold the accused accountable, the government is committed to the welfare of their families, ensuring that spouses and children are protected throughout the proceedings.