Why We Planned Coup Against Tinubu — Col. Ma’aji Army officer cites patriotism, poor welfare, insecurity, hardship; seeks pardon

By Frontline Reporters

ABUJA — Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has said his actions were motivated by patriotism, frustration over worsening conditions in the country and concerns about the welfare of military personnel.

Ma’aji made the disclosure in fresh court documents detailing the circumstances surrounding the alleged coup plot. According to the documents, a group of military officers and civilians allegedly developed, suspended and later revived plans to overthrow the government.

The Defence Headquarters has declined to comment on the latest development, citing the fact that the matter is before the court. Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, said any comment on the case could amount to sub judice.

While apologising for his involvement and appealing to the authorities for leniency, Ma’aji insisted that his actions were not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to see Nigeria become a better and more prosperous country.

He said the alleged plot grew out of concerns among some military personnel over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare, declining living standards and what he described as a growing sense of hopelessness in the country.

According to him, the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards collapse.

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

He added: “Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried. Looking at every aspect of life in Nigeria, there is no hope for the common man, and we are left to defend ourselves.”

Ma’aji maintained that the alleged plan had nothing to do with personal ambition, saying it was motivated by the desire for a country that works for all Nigerians.

“This has nothing to do with any ambition or personal goals. It is purely out of the desire for a prosperous country that works for everyone,” he said.

‘No date was fixed for action’

The colonel said the alleged movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened, stressing that no specific date had been agreed for any action.

He also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, explaining that different individuals became involved at various stages of the discussions.

According to him, while some of those approached shared concerns about the state of the nation, others eventually withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.

Ma’aji further disclosed that his frustration was compounded by his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.

He said some colleagues subsequently encouraged him to revive the movement after the second promotion setback.

The colonel said the initial planning began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, he said his arrest and subsequent detention had changed his perspective and made him realise that grievances could be expressed through lawful channels within the military.

“If God willing, the authority is kind enough to pardon us, we will never contemplate this course of action again in the future,” he said.

Calls for better military welfare

Ma’aji called for the establishment of a formal mechanism through which military personnel could communicate their grievances directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.

He also advocated improved salaries and welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces, including better healthcare, housing, pensions and family support.

He called for reforms in the military’s casualty management system, arguing that the treatment of wounded soldiers has a direct impact on the morale of personnel still serving in operational areas.

He also criticised what he described as godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression, noting that some officers had spent years serving in operational theatres while others had little or no operational experience.

Subsidy removal, corruption

On the broader Nigerian economy, Ma’aji expressed concern about the rising cost of living, education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on ordinary citizens.

He urged the government to channel resources saved from subsidy reforms into programmes capable of reducing hardship, including mass transportation and other social infrastructure.

He also called for stronger action against corruption, warning that perceived impunity among public officials could undermine the morale and confidence of security personnel.

On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji insisted that the movement was never intended to destabilise the country.

“Everything we planned was borne out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” he said.

He appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances that led to the alleged plot and pardon those involved, describing them as first offenders.

“We are pleading for a pardon and a chance to amend our ways. Many of the officers have participated in some operations in the North-East. I am happy nobody has been hurt,” he said.

‘Detention was challenging and revealing’

Ma’aji described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, saying it had provided an opportunity for him to reconsider how grievances should be expressed.

He maintained that he and the other accused persons had no other country to call their own and urged the authorities to consider their contributions to national security alongside the allegations against them.

In his recommendations to prevent a recurrence, Ma’aji called for improved remuneration, saying the salaries of Armed Forces personnel were inadequate in view of current economic realities and inflation.

He advocated stronger welfare programmes for serving personnel and their families, an expanded and sustained COAS Loan Programme, and a review of the Armed Forces health insurance package to cover more critical medical conditions.

He also called for a sustainable housing programme for military personnel and the revival of structured vehicle loan schemes.

On godfatherism, he said the practice had created a system in which officers often needed influential connections to secure opportunities, postings or career advancement.

He argued that it was unfair for some officers to spend eight or nine consecutive years in operational areas while others could complete their careers without serving in conflict zones.

Pension, subsidy and corruption concerns

The colonel also called for improved pensions for retired military personnel, citing the plight of ex-servicemen who struggle to afford basic medication after retirement.

He criticised the manner in which the fuel subsidy was removed, arguing that the policy should have been phased rather than implemented suddenly.

According to him, the government’s primary constitutional responsibility is to ensure the welfare and security of citizens.

He said an average Nigerian was not demanding too much, but simply wanted to be able to travel from one point to another, afford three meals a day, access healthcare and educate their children.

He urged the Federal Government to invest subsidy savings in practical projects that would reduce hardship, particularly mass transit systems.

Ma’aji also described corruption as “the mother of all crimes” and raised concerns about the state of education and the affordability of school fees for military families.

He further criticised alleged budget padding and poor implementation of government projects, arguing that inflated allocations and inadequate execution ultimately short-change Nigerians.

The colonel said many military personnel who had devoted more than 15 years to service still lacked basic assets such as houses or land.

He lamented that some officers and soldiers were barely surviving despite the sacrifices they make daily to keep the country safe.

Ma’aji concluded by appealing for an opportunity to meet the relevant authorities, apologise for his actions and commit himself and others involved to pursuing lawful and peaceful means of addressing grievances in the future.

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