Gen. Musa Reveals How Coup Attempt Was Foiled at Planning Stage
The Minister of defense, formerly Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed how Nigerian security agencies foiled a planned coup attempt at the early planning stage, crediting effective intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration for preventing the plot from materialising.
According to The Nation, General Musa made the revelation while addressing journalists and senior officers at a security briefing in Abuja, where he outlined the steps taken to neutralise the threat before it escalated.
Intelligence-Led Operation
The defence chief said the military and other security services received credible intelligence indicating that a group of individuals was in the early stages of planning actions aimed at undermining constitutional order.
He explained that the information triggered coordinated surveillance and monitoring, allowing authorities to track the suspects’ movements, communications, and potential links.
Swift Intervention
General Musa noted that once sufficient intelligence was gathered, security agencies moved in to disrupt the network, questioning key figures and dismantling the structure of the plot before it could progress to an operational phase.
“The strength of our system lies in early warning and cooperation among our security institutions. That is what ensured this plan did not go beyond the drawing board,” he said.
Commitment to Democracy
The CDS reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to Nigeria’s लोकतांत्रिक (democratic) institutions, stressing that the armed forces remain committed to upholding the constitution and the authority of the civilian government.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
Security Challenges in the Region
Musa’s comments come amid heightened security concerns across parts of West Africa, where several countries have experienced military takeovers in recent years, raising fears about the stability of democratic governance in the region.
Government Reaction
Senior government officials praised the security agencies for their professionalism and restraint, noting that preventing the plot at an early stage avoided potential political and economic disruptions.
What Next
The CDS said investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the network behind the alleged plot and to ensure that anyone found culpable is dealt with according to the law.
Source: The Nation