Ma’aji: I planned coup against Tinubu out of patriotism, not ambition

By Bolarank

A Nigerian Army colonel accused of leading an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, Mohammed Ma’aji, has said his actions were motivated by patriotism and concern over the country’s deteriorating condition rather than personal ambition.

Ma’aji said economic hardship, poor governance and the declining welfare of Nigerians and military personnel influenced his decision to mobilise officers who shared his concerns.

Speaking about the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji said he loved Nigeria and the military and became increasingly worried about what he described as the country’s gradual decline.

He said, “What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country.”

According to him, his concerns were also informed by his struggle to provide for his five children on his salary.

“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried,” he said.

Ma’aji also expressed concern over the welfare of soldiers, particularly personnel wounded during combat.

He alleged that some injured soldiers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna were not receiving adequate care, describing their situation as part of the broader challenges confronting the armed forces.

The colonel said the alleged plan was intended to mobilise officers who shared similar concerns, but insisted that the operation had not reached the execution stage before his arrest.

“The plan was to get enough officers of like minds who could participate. We were still at the stage of mobilising to get more officers involved,” he said.

“This team has not been fully formed because there were supposed to be other meetings. There was no D-Day. We were waiting for the availability of resources and more officers and soldiers.”

Ma’aji also claimed that he personally financed much of the alleged operation, while Timipre Silva contributed about N400 million.

He denied any foreign involvement and said no date had been fixed for the proposed operation.

The officer further said widespread dissatisfaction among soldiers, coupled with his unsuccessful promotion attempts, contributed to the revival of the movement.

He called for the establishment of a formal channel through which military officers could raise concerns with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, without fear of victimisation.

Ma’aji also advocated improved remuneration, welfare packages, pension benefits and education for military personnel, alongside stronger measures to tackle corruption.

He criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been phased out gradually.

The colonel appealed for leniency, saying his arrest and subsequent interaction with the panel had made him reconsider his approach.

“From the time I have been arrested till now, if I were to be released and these issues in the country persist, I will consider a different approach,” he said.

He appealed to the authorities to pardon the accused officers, describing them as first offenders.

The alleged coup plot, which was uncovered in September 2025, led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes in the military hierarchy, including the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Army Staff.