Defence Minister Christopher Musa declared yesterday that the suspects being detained in connection with the recent alleged coup plotting in the country must have been fully aware of the seriousness of their actions.

“They must have made up their minds when they decided to do this and must have considered their families,” Musa, a retired general, told the Turkish national public broadcaster TRT.

He spoke against the background of media reports quoting some relations of the suspects as alleging witch hunt in the arrests.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in a statement on Monday confirmed a coup plot against the government.

It said investigations conducted in line with established military procedures revealed that some personnel were involved in the alleged coup plot.

It said the affected officers will be arraigned before relevant military judicial panels in due course.

Musa in his TRT interview said the suspects knew the consequences of their action, “and I’m sure they are ready to face the wrath.”

He confirmed that they would face court-martial proceedings, which he described as free and fair, allowing them legal representation to defend themselves.

He said despite the offence allegedly committed by the suspects, government “is ensuring that their families are treated fairly.”

He added: “Their family members are not left alone. The government is making sure that their wives and children are looked after.”

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Samaila Uba, said on Monday that investigations into the alleged coup plot had been concluded and the report forwarded to the appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.

He said: “The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel.

“The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.

“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations.

“This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.”

The defence spokesperson said the actions being taken against the affected officers are “purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks.”

Uba said the armed forces remained resolute in maintaining the “highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority.”

The suspects in detention are:

Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (44th Regular Course)

Colonel M. A. Ma’aji ( 47th Regular Course)

Lieutenant Colonel S. Bappah (56th Regular Course)

Lieutenant Colonel A. A. Hayatu (56th Regular Course)

Lieutenant Colonel P. Dangnap (56th Regular Course)

Lieutenant Colonel M. Almakura (56th Regular Course)

Major A. J. Ibrahim (56th Regular Course)

Major M. M. Jiddah (56th Regular Course)

Major M. A. Usman (60th Regular Course)

Major D. Yusuf (59th Regular Course)

Major I. Dauda (DSSC 38)

Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43)

Captain A. A. Yusuf

Lieutenant S. S. Felix (DSSC)

Lieutenant Commander D. B. Abdullahi (Nigerian Navy)

Squadron Leader S. B. Adamu (Nigerian Air Force).

(The Nation)

Update news