Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji: Inside the Allegations Surrounding Nigeria’s Foiled Coup Plot

Fresh details have emerged around one of the most serious national security scares faced by Nigeria in recent years, following allegations that a senior Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, was the central figure behind a foiled coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Military investigators have reportedly identified the infantry officer not only as the alleged architect of the plot but also as a key financier who helped bankroll the operation.

According to reports by PREMIUM TIMES, the plot came to light in late September 2025 when military authorities quietly began arresting senior officers suspected of involvement. Among those detained was Colonel Ma’aji. By early October, no fewer than 16 officers had been arrested and placed in military custody as investigations intensified.

Initially, the Nigerian military downplayed the arrests, insisting that the affected officers were being probed for issues related to indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. This official position fueled speculation and skepticism in public discourse, as rumours of a coup attempt continued to circulate both locally and internationally. It was only months later that the military formally acknowledged the existence of a coup plot, confirming that those implicated would face court-martial proceedings.

The political and military atmosphere at the time was further complicated by significant changes at the top of Nigeria’s security hierarchy. President Tinubu dismissed several service chiefs, retaining only Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede and Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye. Oluyede, who had served as Chief of Army Staff, was elevated to the position of Chief of Defence Staff, replacing General Christopher Musa. Undiandeye, on the other hand, retained his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

In a dramatic turn of events, General Musa was later recalled and appointed Minister of Defence amid heightened international scrutiny over claims of religiously motivated violence in Nigeria. His appointment followed the resignation of Mohammed Badaru, who cited health reasons for stepping aside.

Alleged Role as Mastermind and Financier

Military sources familiar with the investigation described Colonel Ma’aji as a strategic planner who played a coordinating role in the alleged coup attempt. Investigators believe he was deeply involved in logistics, planning, and financial mobilisation, placing him at the heart of the conspiracy.

One senior source disclosed that Ma’aji had previously sought influential postings, particularly to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), a move investigators now view as potentially strategic. “There was a time he was aggressively seeking powerful connections to secure a posting to the ONSA,” the source said, suggesting that the ambition may have aligned with a broader plan.

Financial records have reportedly strengthened suspicions against the officer. Investigators allege that Ma’aji transferred funds to co-plotters to facilitate the execution of the plan. One transaction under scrutiny is said to involve a link to Timi Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa State, with whom Ma’aji allegedly developed a long-standing relationship during his years of service in the Niger Delta.

Following the arrests, security operatives reportedly searched Sylva’s residence in Abuja, raising speculation about possible civilian collaborators. However, Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, firmly denied any involvement, describing his principal as a committed democrat and a loyal supporter of President Tinubu.

Sources close to the investigation further claimed that Colonel Ma’aji has remained largely uncooperative since his arrest, allegedly showing little remorse or emotional response during questioning. Descriptions of his conduct portray him as detached and defiant as the inquiry continues.

Background and Military Career

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, service number N/10668, was born on March 1, 1976. A native of Edati Local Government Area in Niger State, he is of Nupe origin. He commenced his military training on August 18, 1995, and graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy on September 16, 2000, as part of the 47 Regular Course.

Much of Ma’aji’s operational career was spent in the Niger Delta, a region central to Nigeria’s oil economy and security challenges. He participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017, a major military exercise aimed at tackling militancy, oil theft, and other forms of insecurity. Over the years, he served in several sensitive positions, including at the Depot Nigerian Army and as Commander of Operation Delta Safe.

He was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2013 and attained the rank of full colonel in 2017. At the time of his arrest, the 49-year-old officer was serving as the Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

As legal and military proceedings loom, the allegations against Colonel Ma’aji continue to generate intense public debate. While some Nigerians view the case as evidence of deep-seated corruption and ambition within the military, others argue that broader political interests may be at play. For now, the full truth behind Nigeria’s foiled coup plot remains subject to ongoing investigation and judicial determination.