By Opeyemi Adelakun
A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, has said growing insecurity, alleged corruption and worsening economic conditions were among the major grievances that led to discussions about a possible military takeover during President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ma’aji, according to a report by Premium Times, said the idea of military intervention emerged from concerns among some officers over the direction of the country.
He said the dissatisfaction did not begin solely under Tinubu, noting that discussions about military intervention started in 2023, towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
According to him, the situation had become increasingly troubling as he alleged that corruption and nepotism had become widespread.
“Things particularly got out of control towards the end of Buhari’s administration when corruption and nepotism became the order of the day,” Ma’aji stated.
The colonel said the deteriorating security situation also contributed to the concerns among the officers, arguing that senior military authorities should have taken stronger measures to address the challenges.
He said the group subsequently began identifying military officers who shared their concerns about the country’s condition.
“Most of the officers involved share the same sense of patriotism, love of country and genuine desire for positive change,” he said.
Ma’aji disclosed that the alleged plan was initially put on hold because the group lacked adequate funding, manpower and logistical capacity to execute it.
He claimed that he personally provided a significant portion of the early funding, while other officers also contributed money and foreign currency at different times.
According to him, one Army major contributed N1m, while another officer allegedly provided dollars on several occasions.
The officer said the alleged movement was later revived after he was unsuccessful in his bid for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General for the second time in 2024.
However, Ma’aji maintained that his failure to secure the promotion was not the primary reason behind the alleged coup plan.
He instead pointed to a wider range of political, security and economic concerns, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, exchange-rate reforms, taxation and increases in electricity tariffs.
He also cited the country’s insecurity crisis and the government’s handling of protests, including the #EndSARS and #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
Ma’aji said the level of unemployment and economic hardship had contributed to growing frustration among young Nigerians.
His account comes amid continuing scrutiny of the alleged coup plot and the motivations of those accused of being involved.
The claims attributed to Ma’aji represent his account of the circumstances surrounding the alleged plan, while the full details of the reported plot and the positions of relevant authorities remain subject to official proceedings and further investigation.
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