A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has said his actions were motivated by patriotism and frustration over the worsening conditions in Nigeria.
Ma’aji, in a statement made available on Monday, apologised for his alleged involvement in the plot and appealed to the authorities for leniency, insisting that he was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to see a better and more prosperous Nigeria.
According to the colonel, concerns about poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare for military personnel and declining living standards contributed to discussions among some members of the military.
He said the situation had become so troubling that he feared the country was heading towards collapse.
“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism. 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.”
‘Military welfare contributed to frustration’
Ma’aji said military personnel were particularly affected by poor welfare conditions, citing the challenges faced by soldiers wounded during operations as well as the difficulties experienced by serving personnel and their families.
He said the alleged movement was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security authorities intervened.
According to him, no specific date had been agreed for any action.
The colonel also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, explaining that different individuals became involved at various stages of the discussions.
He said some people who were approached expressed concerns about the state of the country, while others eventually withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.
Promotion setbacks added to frustration
Ma’aji further linked his frustration to his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.
According to him, some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement after he suffered the second setback.
However, he said his experience following his arrest had changed his perspective and made him realise that there were lawful alternative channels for expressing concerns within the military.
“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.
Calls for better military welfare
The colonel called for the establishment of a formal mechanism through which military personnel could communicate their grievances directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.
He also recommended improved salaries and welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces, including better healthcare, housing, pensions and family support.
Ma’aji urged the authorities to strengthen the military’s casualty management system, warning that inadequate treatment of wounded soldiers could undermine the morale of personnel still serving in operational areas.
He also criticised what he described as godfatherism and perceived inequality in military postings and career progression.
According to him, some officers have spent years participating in combat operations while others have had little or no operational exposure.
‘Nigeria’s hardship is worsening’
On the wider state of the country, Ma’aji expressed concern over the rising cost of living, challenges in education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on ordinary Nigerians.
He urged the government to invest savings from subsidy reforms in programmes capable of reducing hardship, including mass transportation and other social infrastructure.
He also called for stronger measures against corruption, arguing that perceived impunity among public officials could undermine the morale and confidence of security personnel.
‘We did not intend to destabilise Nigeria’
On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji insisted 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, whom he described 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 the experience had given him an opportunity to reconsider how he could express grievances and seek change.
He maintained that he and the other officers allegedly involved had no other country to call home and urged the authorities to consider their contributions to national security alongside the allegations against them.
He concluded by requesting an opportunity to meet with the relevant authorities, apologise and commit himself and others involved to pursuing lawful and peaceful means of addressing grievances.
