Army Colonel Reveals Why He Allegedly Planned Coup Against Tinubu

Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has revealed that worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship were among the key grievances behind an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

Ma’aji, who is reportedly linked to the failed coup plot, said discussions about military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He claimed the situation had deteriorated significantly, with corruption and alleged nepotism becoming major concerns among some officers.

“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day,” he stated.

The Colonel said senior military authorities should have responded more firmly to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. He added that the group began identifying officers who shared their concerns and were willing to support what they viewed as an effort to bring about positive change.

Ma’aji said the alleged plan was initially abandoned because of funding, logistics and manpower challenges. He claimed he personally provided much of the early funding, while one Army major contributed N1 million and another officer allegedly provided dollars on several occasions.

The officer also disclosed that the alleged plot was revived after he failed for a second time to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024. However, he insisted that the promotion setback was not the main reason for the alleged movement.

Instead, Ma’aji pointed to several government policies and national challenges, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity. He also cited the government’s handling of the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance protests as issues that contributed to public frustration.

He further argued that widespread unemployment and economic hardship had left many young Nigerians disillusioned. Ma’aji said the officers allegedly involved considered themselves motivated by patriotism and a desire to see meaningful change in the country.

The revelations come as authorities continue to deal with the alleged failed coup plot and the military personnel accused of involvement. Any attempt to overthrow a democratically elected government outside constitutional processes remains a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic order.