Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has revealed that the military played a central role in uncovering and reporting a recent coup plot, describing those involved as misguided junior officers with little understanding of the consequences of their actions.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Musa said security authorities detected the plot early and immediately launched an investigation to determine the individuals behind it.

According to him, he personally convened the committee that handled the probe, stressing that the military remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s democratic system from any threat.

Musa noted that one of the key objectives of exposing the alleged plot is to send a strong message to younger officers that military takeovers have no place in modern Nigeria. He argued that democracy, despite its challenges, remains a far better option than any form of military rule.

Reflecting on the findings of the investigation, the defence chief expressed disappointment with the calibre of individuals allegedly linked to the plot. He described them as inexperienced and confused officers who lacked proper judgment and understanding of the implications of their actions.

“I looked at the people involved and simply shook my head,” Musa said, adding that many of them were junior officials who appeared unable to distinguish right from wrong.

His comments come amid renewed efforts by security agencies to safeguard democratic institutions across West Africa, a region that has witnessed a series of military coups in recent years.

The defence chief’s remarks also reinforce the military’s public commitment to constitutional governance and its determination to discourage any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democratic order.