A Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, has been identified as the alleged mastermind behind a foiled coup plot aimed at overthrowing President Bola Tinubu’s government.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday, January 26, confirmed that 16 military officers were indicted by a Special Investigative Panel for allegedly planning to unseat the current administration. The development followed months of speculation after reports of an attempted coup in October 2025, which authorities initially denied.
Colonel M. A. Ma’aji was listed as number one among the 16 officers named by the panel, a move that appeared to validate earlier claims that he played a leading role in the failed plot.
Background and Profile
Colonel Ma’aji was born in 1976 to Nupe parents in Niger State. He is a member of Regular Course 47 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he received his military training.
He previously served as a security adviser to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timi Sylva, during the 2015 Bayelsa State governorship election.
In his military career, Ma’aji held the position of Commanding Officer (CO) of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State. In 2017, he was later posted to Koko, the headquarters of Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State.
Investigation Ongoing
The Defence Headquarters has not yet released full details of the alleged plot but confirmed that the officers were indicted for serious misconduct, including conspiracy to overthrow the government. Military authorities said investigations are ongoing and appropriate disciplinary procedures will follow in line with military law.
The revelation has renewed public attention on civil–military relations and internal security, as the federal government continues efforts to safeguard democratic institutions against subversive threats.
