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Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has attributed his actions to what he described as patriotism and frustration with the worsening conditions in the country.
Ma’aji, in a statement made available on Monday, apologised for his involvement in the alleged plot and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that he was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to see Nigeria become a better country.
He said concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare for military personnel and declining living standards had contributed to discussions among some officers about the state of the nation.
According to the colonel, the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards collapse. He said his concerns were also shaped by the difficulty of providing for his five children on what he described as a meagre salary.
“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism, and I love the job and country,” Ma’aji said.
“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.
“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.”
Ma’aji said military personnel were among those affected by the country’s economic and security challenges, particularly soldiers wounded during operations and the families of serving personnel.
He said the alleged movement had remained at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened, adding that no specific date had been fixed for any action.
The colonel also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, while explaining that different individuals became involved at various stages of the discussions. He said some people expressed concern over the condition of the country, while others later withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.
Ma’aji, however, disclosed that his frustration was also linked to his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions. He said some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement after his second unsuccessful attempt.
The officer said his arrest and subsequent detention had changed his outlook, making him recognise that there were lawful channels through which grievances within the military could be addressed.
“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.
Ma’aji called for the establishment of a formal mechanism through which military personnel could communicate concerns directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
He also urged the authorities to improve the remuneration and welfare of members of the Armed Forces, particularly in the areas of healthcare, housing, pensions and family support.
The colonel called for reforms to the military’s casualty management system, warning that the treatment and welfare of wounded soldiers could have implications for 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, arguing that some officers had spent years on operations while others had little or no operational exposure.
Turning to the wider economic situation, Ma’aji expressed concern over the rising cost of living, access to education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.
He urged the government to channel savings from subsidy reforms into measures capable of easing the burden on citizens, including mass transportation and other social infrastructure.
He also called for stronger action against corruption, arguing that perceived impunity among public officials could weaken the morale and confidence of security personnel.
On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji maintained that the movement was not intended to destabilise the country, but was driven by what he described as love for Nigeria and a desire for better governance.
“Everything we planned was born out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” he said.
The colonel appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances surrounding 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.
Ma’aji described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, saying it had given him time to reconsider how he and others could express their grievances.
He stressed that those involved had no other country to call their own and urged the authorities to consider their contributions to national security alongside the allegations against them.
The colonel concluded by asking for an opportunity to meet with the relevant authorities, apologise and commit himself and others involved to using lawful and peaceful channels to address their concerns.
