Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji has disclosed the reasons he allegedly planned a coup to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to reports, Ma’aji said worsening insecurity, corruption and economic hardship were among the major grievances discussed by individuals allegedly involved in the failed coup plot.
The Army officer said conversations about possible military intervention began in 2023, towards the end of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“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.
Ma’aji said senior military authorities should have taken stronger action to address the worsening security situation.
He added that those involved subsequently began identifying military officers who shared their concerns about the state of the country.
“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he wrote.
The Colonel further disclosed that the alleged plan was initially suspended due to a lack of funding, logistics and manpower.
According to him, he personally provided much of the early funding for the project, while other military officers also contributed financially.
He said one Army major contributed N1 million, while another officer allegedly provided foreign currency on several occasions.
Ma’aji revealed that the alleged coup plan was revived after he failed for the second time to secure promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2024.
However, he stressed that his failure to secure the promotion was not the main reason behind the alleged movement.
Among the policies and issues he cited were the removal of fuel subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, taxation, electricity tariffs, corruption and insecurity.
He also referenced the government’s handling of protests, including the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, while expressing concern over unemployment and economic hardship affecting many young Nigerians.
