Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has warned that anyone plotting a coup against President Bola Tinubu’s administration is “wasting their time,” insisting that Nigerians themselves would resist any attempt to derail democracy.

Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, Musa described individuals allegedly involved in the recent coup plot as “confused” and said they misled junior officers into actions that have now landed them in trouble.

The minister revealed that he was among top military officials who uncovered and investigated the alleged plot while serving as Chief of Defence Staff. According to him, those accused are currently undergoing prosecution and are being given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.

Musa stressed that democracy remains better than military rule, adding that the armed forces are currently well catered for through improved welfare, salaries, and operational support.

“Anybody who is thinking of planning a coup is just wasting their time. Even civilians in Nigeria would have taken them down,” he said.

The alleged coup plot first came to public attention after the federal government cancelled the 2025 Independence Day parade, with the Defence Headquarters later confirming that security agencies had uncovered plans to overthrow the government.