Nigerian Defence Minister Targeted in Foiled Coup Attempt, Several Arrests Made

The Nigerian Defence Minister, Gen. Christoph Musa, disclosed being a target in a thwarted coup plot involving military personnel and civilians aiming to overthrow President Bola Tinubu's government.

The plot, uncovered by intelligence agencies, led to the arrest of numerous suspects, including serving and retired military officials. Musa emphasized the seriousness of the threat and the need for swift action to prevent a violent overthrow.

The coup plotters allegedly sought to disrupt Nigeria's constitutional order, with Interpol's involvement in the investigation. Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, was mentioned in the probe, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the investigation to avoid wrongful accusations.

Musa highlighted the importance of maintaining security vigilance to detect and block any potential threats. The Defence Minister stressed the difficulty of executing a successful coup in modern Nigeria and the need for continuous monitoring to prevent such incidents.