Colonel Ma’aji Explains Alleged Coup Plot, Citing Patriotism, Hardship and Military Welfare Concerns

Colonel Ma’aji Explains Alleged Coup Plot, Citing Patriotism, Hardship and Military Welfare Concerns

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has explained his alleged involvement in a reported plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration, citing patriotism, economic hardship, poor governance and concerns over military welfare.

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji Speaks on Alleged Plot Against Tinubu Government

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, one of the military officers accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has said his actions were motivated by patriotism and concern about Nigeria’s condition rather than a desire for personal power.

Ma’aji reportedly made the comments while explaining the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot and the factors he said influenced his decision to become involved.

According to his account, growing economic hardship, concerns about governance, declining living standards and the welfare of Nigerian soldiers contributed significantly to his frustration about the direction of the country.

The officer maintained that his concerns were rooted in what he described as a gradual decline in Nigeria’s fortunes and a growing sense of uncertainty about the future.

«“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism and I love the job and country,” Ma’aji said.»

He reportedly argued that many Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, had become increasingly concerned about the economic and social challenges confronting the country.

Ma’aji Says Nigeria Was Facing Serious Challenges

Explaining his motivation, Ma’aji said his concerns developed over time as he observed what he described as worsening conditions across the country.

He claimed that the situation had moved from what he considered a gradual decline to a point where he feared Nigeria could face even greater difficulties if urgent reforms were not introduced.

The colonel reportedly described the country as being on a dangerous trajectory and expressed concern about the ability of ordinary Nigerians to cope with rising economic pressures.

His comments also touched on the difficulties experienced by military personnel, who, he said, were not immune from the economic challenges affecting the wider population.

Ma’aji cited his own experience as an example, saying that providing for his family on his military salary had become increasingly difficult.

Colonel Highlights Cost of Raising Children

Ma’aji reportedly said his responsibilities as a father of five children had made him particularly conscious of the country's economic difficulties.

According to him, the cost of education and other basic necessities had become a major concern for families.

He recalled attending Army Day Secondary School and questioned how many Nigerian families could comfortably afford quality education for their children under current economic conditions.

For Ma’aji, the issue was not simply about personal financial difficulties. He presented it as part of a broader problem involving the welfare of Nigerian families and the country's economic direction.

He reportedly linked these difficulties to what he described as failures in governance and called for policies capable of improving the standard of living of citizens.

Concerns Over Welfare of Nigerian Soldiers

Another major issue raised by Ma’aji was the welfare of military personnel, particularly soldiers who suffer injuries while serving in combat operations.

He reportedly expressed concern about the condition of wounded soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.

Ma’aji alleged that some injured personnel were not receiving the level of care he believed they deserved.

His comments highlighted a broader concern about the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces and the responsibilities of government toward personnel injured while defending the country.

The officer argued that better healthcare, improved remuneration, stronger pension arrangements and enhanced welfare programmes were necessary to improve the lives of military personnel.

Alleged Plan Had Not Reached Execution Stage

Despite his admission of involvement in efforts to mobilise officers, Ma’aji reportedly maintained that the alleged plan had not reached the stage of execution before his arrest.

According to his account, those involved were still attempting to identify and mobilise other officers who shared similar concerns about the state of the country.

He said the proposed group had not been fully established and that further meetings were expected to take place.

Ma’aji also reportedly stated that there was no fixed date for the proposed operation.

He described the alleged movement as being at a mobilisation stage rather than an operational stage when authorities arrested him.

This distinction, according to his account, was important because he maintained that no final operational decision had been reached.

Officer Claims Financial Contributions Were Made

Ma’aji also reportedly claimed that he personally financed a significant portion of the activities connected with the alleged plan.

He further alleged that former petroleum minister Timipre Sylva contributed approximately N400 million.

These claims are allegations attributed to Ma’aji and should not be interpreted as established facts unless independently confirmed by competent authorities or evidence presented in court.

The colonel also denied foreign involvement in the alleged plot.

He reportedly maintained that the issues motivating the group were domestic concerns about Nigeria's political, economic and security situation.

Ma’aji Denies Contact With Some Senior Officers

The officer also reportedly denied contacting some senior military officers in connection with the alleged plan.

However, he said there was widespread dissatisfaction among some members of the military, which he linked to welfare concerns and other institutional issues.

Ma’aji further suggested that his own unsuccessful attempts at promotion contributed to the revival of his involvement in what he described as a movement for change.

His comments raise questions about how personal grievances, institutional concerns and broader dissatisfaction can intersect within military organisations.

At the same time, allegations involving attempts to change a government outside constitutional processes remain extremely serious and are subject to legal and institutional scrutiny.

Call for Better Communication Within the Military

One of Ma’aji’s recommendations was the establishment of a formal and protected channel through which military officers could communicate their concerns to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.

He argued that soldiers should have an avenue for raising legitimate concerns about their working conditions, welfare and professional challenges.

According to his reported position, such a system could help military authorities identify problems early and prevent frustration from becoming more serious.

He also called for improved salaries and welfare packages for soldiers, stronger pension benefits and greater educational opportunities for military families.

In addition, Ma’aji reportedly called for stronger measures against corruption within Nigeria and the armed forces.

Criticism of Fuel Subsidy Removal

Ma’aji also reportedly criticised the removal of the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been implemented gradually.

The removal of the subsidy has been one of the most significant economic policy changes in Nigeria in recent years, with the government arguing that it was necessary to reduce the financial burden of subsidy payments.

However, the policy has also contributed to higher living costs and generated significant public debate over its economic and social consequences.

Ma’aji's comments reflect the broader concern among many Nigerians about the impact of rising transportation, food and household expenses.

Appeal for Leniency After Arrest

Following his arrest, Ma’aji reportedly appealed to the authorities for leniency and described himself and others involved as first offenders.

He said his experience since arrest had caused him to reconsider his approach and reassess the way he viewed the problems facing Nigeria.

The colonel reportedly appealed for an opportunity to correct his actions, stressing that he had no alternative country or profession.

He also maintained that the alleged plan was not intended to destabilise Nigeria but was, in his view, motivated by a desire to see the country become more prosperous and better governed.

His comments appear to represent an attempt to explain his motivations while seeking forgiveness from the authorities.

“We Have No Other Country Than Nigeria”

Ma’aji reportedly emphasised his attachment to Nigeria, arguing that his concerns were based on what he described as a desire to protect the country's future.

He said the experience had changed his mindset and claimed that those involved did not intend to destroy the country.

According to his account, patriotism and dissatisfaction with national conditions were central to his actions.

However, the distinction between expressing dissatisfaction with government policies and allegedly attempting to change a government through unconstitutional means remains significant.

In a constitutional democracy, grievances about governance, economic hardship and public policy are expected to be addressed through lawful institutions and democratic processes.

Alleged Coup Plot and Military Changes

The alleged plot, according to reports cited in the original account, was uncovered in late September 2025.

The reported development was followed by the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes within Nigeria's military leadership.

Among the reported changes was the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Army Staff at the time.

The allegations therefore attracted significant attention because of their potential implications for Nigeria's democratic institutions, national security and civil-military relations.

Any allegation of a plan to overthrow a constitutionally established government is a matter of serious national importance and requires due process, credible evidence and appropriate legal proceedings.

What Ma’aji’s Statements Mean for Nigeria

The statements attributed to Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji provide an account of how he says economic hardship, military welfare concerns and dissatisfaction with governance influenced his actions.

His allegations also draw attention to longstanding debates about the welfare of Nigerian soldiers, the cost of living, public-sector remuneration, corruption and the effectiveness of government policies.

However, patriotism or dissatisfaction with government policies does not by itself establish the legality of any alleged action.

The claims surrounding the alleged plot must therefore be separated from verified facts and independently established evidence.

For Nigeria, the broader lesson is the importance of strong democratic institutions, professional armed forces, accountability and legitimate channels for addressing grievances.

Military personnel, like other citizens, can have concerns about national policies and working conditions. But resolving such concerns through constitutional and lawful mechanisms remains essential to preserving political stability and democratic governance.

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has described his alleged involvement in the reported plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration as an action driven by patriotism, concern for Nigeria and dissatisfaction with worsening economic and military welfare conditions.

He cited the difficulty of supporting his family, concerns over soldiers wounded during military operations, inadequate welfare, corruption and the wider cost-of-living crisis as factors that shaped his thinking.

He also maintained that the alleged plan had not reached the execution stage before his arrest, claiming that officers were still being mobilised and that no final date had been established.

Ma’aji has since appealed for leniency, saying his experience had changed his outlook and that he wanted an opportunity to correct his actions.

The allegations remain serious, and claims made by an accused person should be distinguished from facts established through investigation or judicial proceedings.

Ultimately, the issues raised in his account — including economic hardship, military welfare, accountability, corruption and good governance — remain important national conversations. Addressing such concerns through constitutional institutions, transparent governance and lawful democratic processes will be critical to Nigeria's stability and future.

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