₦airaland Forum

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of being involved in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has said his actions were driven by patriotism and concern over what he described as Nigeria’s worsening condition rather than personal ambition.

Ma’aji said economic hardship, poor governance and declining welfare among Nigerians and military personnel shaped his concerns about the country’s direction, he said according to Premium Times on Monday.

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

“As we are all sitting down here, we have our biases and our thoughts and concerns on what was going on in our country from a state of gradual decline up to now, and we are almost at the point of collapse,” he said.

The colonel said his own struggles to provide for his five children on his salary further heightened his concerns about the economic situation.

He explained, “Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise 5 children with my meager salary, I get worried.

“I attended Army Day Secondary School, but today, how many of us afford to take our children to these schools, and for one reason or the other, which is connected to the bad governance.”

Ma’aji also raised concerns about the welfare of soldiers, particularly personnel wounded during military operations.

He alleged that some injured soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna were not getting adequate care.

According to him, the conditions facing military personnel reinforced his belief that urgent measures were needed to change the country’s trajectory.

“The summary of all this is that this action was driven by the desire to have a prosperous nation and country that we all can be proud of. It got to a point that I was worried that if nothing is done, we may not have a country to call our own in the near future,” he said.

Ma’aji said the alleged plan involved mobilising officers who shared his concerns but maintained that the group had not reached the stage of executing any operation before his arrest.

“Nigeria was turning into a banana republic right before our eyes. We know that during the era of the military regime, the country was functioning better. I believe that, as it is now, we are on a dangerous trajectory.

“The plan was to get enough officers of like minds who could participate. We were still at the stage of mobilising to get more officers involved.

“This team has not been fully formed because there were supposed to be other meetings. There was no D-Day. We were waiting for the availability of resources and more officers and soldiers,” he added.

The officer also claimed that he personally financed much of the alleged plan, while Timipre Silva contributed about N400 million.

He denied foreign involvement and said no date had been fixed for the proposed operation.

Ma’aji further denied contacting some senior military officers, but said widespread dissatisfaction within the military, coupled with his unsuccessful promotion attempts, contributed to the revival of the alleged movement.

He called for the establishment of a formal channel through which military officers could raise concerns with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, without fear of victimisation.

Among his recommendations were improved remuneration and welfare packages for soldiers, better pension benefits, greater access to education and stronger measures against corruption within the country and the armed forces.

Ma’aji also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been phased out gradually.

Following his arrest, the colonel appealed to the authorities for leniency, saying his experience had caused him to reconsider his approach.

He stated, “From the time I have been arrested till now, If I were to be released and these issues in the country persist, I will consider a different approach.

“We are pleading for leniency and pardon as first offenders. The system should take a deep breath and pardon us. They should give us a chance to mend our ways. We have no other country than Nigeria and no other job.

“This incident has really opened our eyes and has changed our mindset forever. It was not intended to destabilize the country at all.

“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.”

The alleged coup plot, which was uncovered in late September 2025, led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes in the military hierarchy, including the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Army Staff at the time.

Bobloco:
Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of being involved in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has said his actions were driven by patriotism and concern over what he described as Nigeria’s worsening condition rather than personal ambition.

Ma’aji said economic hardship, poor governance and declining welfare among Nigerians and military personnel shaped his concerns about the country’s direction, he said according to Premium Times on Monday.

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

“As we are all sitting down here, we have our biases and our thoughts and concerns on what was going on in our country from a state of gradual decline up to now, and we are almost at the point of collapse,” he said.


The colonel said his own struggles to provide for his five children on his salary further heightened his concerns about the economic situation.

He explained, “Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise 5 children with my meager salary, I get worried.

“I attended Army Day Secondary School, but today, how many of us afford to take our children to these schools, and for one reason or the other, which is connected to the bad governance.”

Ma’aji also raised concerns about the welfare of soldiers, particularly personnel wounded during military operations.

He alleged that some injured soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna were not getting adequate care.

According to him, the conditions facing military personnel reinforced his belief that urgent measures were needed to change the country’s trajectory.

“The summary of all this is that this action was driven by the desire to have a prosperous nation and country that we all can be proud of. It got to a point that I was worried that if nothing is done, we may not have a country to call our own in the near future,” he said.

Ma’aji said the alleged plan involved mobilising officers who shared his concerns but maintained that the group had not reached the stage of executing any operation before his arrest.

“Nigeria was turning into a banana republic right before our eyes. We know that during the era of the military regime, the country was functioning better. I believe that, as it is now, we are on a dangerous trajectory.

“The plan was to get enough officers of like minds who could participate. We were still at the stage of mobilising to get more officers involved.


“This team has not been fully formed because there were supposed to be other meetings. There was no D-Day. We were waiting for the availability of resources and more officers and soldiers,” he added.

The officer also claimed that he personally financed much of the alleged plan, while Timipre Silva contributed about N400 million.

He denied foreign involvement and said no date had been fixed for the proposed operation.

Ma’aji further denied contacting some senior military officers, but said widespread dissatisfaction within the military, coupled with his unsuccessful promotion attempts, contributed to the revival of the alleged movement.

He called for the establishment of a formal channel through which military officers could raise concerns with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, without fear of victimisation.

Among his recommendations were improved remuneration and welfare packages for soldiers, better pension benefits, greater access to education and stronger measures against corruption within the country and the armed forces.

Ma’aji also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been phased out gradually.

Following his arrest, the colonel appealed to the authorities for leniency, saying his experience had caused him to reconsider his approach.

He stated, “From the time I have been arrested till now, If I were to be released and these issues in the country persist, I will consider a different approach.

“We are pleading for leniency and pardon as first offenders. The system should take a deep breath and pardon us. They should give us a chance to mend our ways. We have no other country than Nigeria and no other job.

“This incident has really opened our eyes and has changed our mindset forever. It was not intended to destabilize the country at all.

“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.”

The alleged coup plot, which was uncovered in late September 2025, led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes in the military hierarchy, including the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Army Staff at the time



https://punchng.com/nigeria-was-near-collapse-says-colonel-accused-of-coup-plot-against-tinubu/?amp

He explained, “Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise 5 children with my meager salary, I get worried.

RealityKings1:
Why would any considerate and reasonable person have 5 children in the first place?
You'll be under constant pressure to meet up with several issues, it's common sense

Buccalcavity2:
You plan to kill me, you spent money and took actions to execute the plan. By stroke of luck, I found out, you come dey beg me to release you as a first time offender..... na wa o. Shoo

Kaa4:
The present administration is lenient in this issue. I don't know why he was not given the Attahiru treatment.

The North is already seething with anger.

No mercy for coup plotters.

Let the law take its course

Bobloco:
Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of being involved in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has said his actions were driven by patriotism and concern over what he described as Nigeria’s worsening condition rather than personal ambition.

Ma’aji said economic hardship, poor governance and declining welfare among Nigerians and military personnel shaped his concerns about the country’s direction, he said according to Premium Times on Monday.

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

“As we are all sitting down here, we have our biases and our thoughts and concerns on what was going on in our country from a state of gradual decline up to now, and we are almost at the point of collapse,” he said.


The colonel said his own struggles to provide for his five children on his salary further heightened his concerns about the economic situation.

He explained, “Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise 5 children with my meager salary, I get worried.

“I attended Army Day Secondary School, but today, how many of us afford to take our children to these schools, and for one reason or the other, which is connected to the bad governance.”

Ma’aji also raised concerns about the welfare of soldiers, particularly personnel wounded during military operations.

He alleged that some injured soldiers receiving treatment at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna were not getting adequate care.

According to him, the conditions facing military personnel reinforced his belief that urgent measures were needed to change the country’s trajectory.

“The summary of all this is that this action was driven by the desire to have a prosperous nation and country that we all can be proud of. It got to a point that I was worried that if nothing is done, we may not have a country to call our own in the near future,” he said.

Ma’aji said the alleged plan involved mobilising officers who shared his concerns but maintained that the group had not reached the stage of executing any operation before his arrest.

“Nigeria was turning into a banana republic right before our eyes. We know that during the era of the military regime, the country was functioning better. I believe that, as it is now, we are on a dangerous trajectory.

“The plan was to get enough officers of like minds who could participate. We were still at the stage of mobilising to get more officers involved.


“This team has not been fully formed because there were supposed to be other meetings. There was no D-Day. We were waiting for the availability of resources and more officers and soldiers,” he added.

The officer also claimed that he personally financed much of the alleged plan, while Timipre Silva contributed about N400 million.

He denied foreign involvement and said no date had been fixed for the proposed operation.

Ma’aji further denied contacting some senior military officers, but said widespread dissatisfaction within the military, coupled with his unsuccessful promotion attempts, contributed to the revival of the alleged movement.

He called for the establishment of a formal channel through which military officers could raise concerns with the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, without fear of victimisation.

Among his recommendations were improved remuneration and welfare packages for soldiers, better pension benefits, greater access to education and stronger measures against corruption within the country and the armed forces.

Ma’aji also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy should have been phased out gradually.

Following his arrest, the colonel appealed to the authorities for leniency, saying his experience had caused him to reconsider his approach.

He stated, “From the time I have been arrested till now, If I were to be released and these issues in the country persist, I will consider a different approach.

“We are pleading for leniency and pardon as first offenders. The system should take a deep breath and pardon us. They should give us a chance to mend our ways. We have no other country than Nigeria and no other job.

“This incident has really opened our eyes and has changed our mindset forever. It was not intended to destabilize the country at all.

“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.”

The alleged coup plot, which was uncovered in late September 2025, led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade and changes in the military hierarchy, including the removal of Christopher Musa as Chief of Army Staff at the time



https://punchng.com/nigeria-was-near-collapse-says-colonel-accused-of-coup-plot-against-tinubu/?amp

Kdon2:
The patriotism was sleeping when buhari was ruling. ☹️At least he confessed.

saintkel:
in as much as I don't like Tinubu but let's face it...why didn't they plan d coup during Buharis tenure?.....if I tell u we southerners r d enemies of our own selves eh....they don't want anyone from d south but r comfortable when someone from d north is ruling speaks volume of how d north perceives us as part of dis country...southerners wake up!!!!

Sirjamo:
He didn't have enough to raise his 5 kids, but he had billions to run a coup. Typical Nigerian, always thinking everyone is foolish.

franchasng:
The colonel said: his own struggles to provide for his five children on his salary further heightened his concerns about the economic situation.


I hope every Nigerian can read what an army colonel said about Nigeria's economic hopelessness under this regime?

Salary earners are now living like paupers despite having a job, now imagine what the poorest of the poor in Nigeria and the unemployed youths, who make up over 65% of Nigeria's population are passing through yet you have the effrontery to be supporting this dead government that has impoverished Nigerians beyond measure.



Continue playing and thinking its a dick-measuring contest between Igbo and Yoruba, reality will soon hit you hard by the time Tinubu succeeds in rigging himself back into office for a second tenure, una eyes go open wide

RealityKings1:
Why would any considerate and reasonable person have 5 children in the first place?
You'll be under constant pressure to meet up with several issues, it's common sense

Beautifulday:
If he is being held by security agencies, how did he say all these?

This person is a fictional character.

franchasng:
The colonel said: his own struggles to provide for his five children on his salary further heightened his concerns about the economic situation.


I hope every Nigerian can read what an army colonel said about Nigeria's economic hopelessness under this regime?

Salary earners are now living like paupers despite having a job, now imagine what the poorest of the poor in Nigeria and the unemployed youths, who make up over 65% of Nigeria's population are passing through yet you have the effrontery to be supporting this dead government that has impoverished Nigerians beyond measure.



Continue playing and thinking its a dick-measuring contest between Igbo and Yoruba, reality will soon hit you hard by the time Tinubu succeeds in rigging himself back into office for a second tenure, una eyes go open wide

nairalanda1:
Tor, the countries where people have one or two children get a lot of issues.

Japan for example has a declining populaiton because not enough children are being born, because many people are saying the same thing you are saying, only they then come to the conclusion that marrying is not for them. As a result, they have too few young people, and therefore not enough workers to pay the taxes that are needed to fund welfare for all and pensions for the old. Which means that japan is borrowing money and at a rate that scares even the USA.

Same issue in South Korea.

China's own is bad too. Population is not only getting old, but at least 30 million men per generation may never find wives because the one child policy basically led to families preferring boys over girls, which led to a massive issue with their gender ratio. Far more boys being born than girls. China reversed the thing some years ago, but the damage has been done.

If not for mass immigration, European countries would be in the same shoes. ditto canada. And the USA...part of why some people are opposed to trump deporting illegal immigrants (Trump is doing the right thing to deport them though, he has made many bad decisions, but deporting ilegals is not one of them, but the US has a populaton issue too).

Nigeria's problem is that thanks to many wrong decisons, we do not have a large enough productive economy to absorb the large masses of young kids that are born. We can change that, but APC does not want to do the needful, and sadly also, most nigerians. Na to share oil money, that is all we do.

RealityKings1:
You are trying to use countries that tackled population explosion successfully (China, Japan, South Korea and USA) to justify why many kids should be born?
Perhaps you didn't understand it that way

These countries evaluated their economic prospects considering the future and dealt with population explosion. Population exploitation does not just lead to poverty, it leads to increase in crime rate, struggles and unnecessary competition. Why do you think trump deporting illegal immigrants? Being "illegal" is a crime in the first place.

Look around you, this is neither China nor the USA. This is Nigeria! The man was able to raise funds for a coup but couldn't raise money to finance a business to better his own life and those of his kids. Who sent him to born 5 children? Naa you?

nairalanda1:
Premium times is reporting the evidence he gave in court, which is why we know what the guy said. He isn't fictonal.