Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji of the Nigerian Army has been identified by military investigators as the key figure behind the failed coup plot targeting President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Investigators allege that, in addition to masterminding the plot, Ma’aji also financed key aspects of the operation.
In late September 2025, the military began detaining senior officers suspected of involvement in the coup, including Ma’aji. By early October, a total of 16 officers had been arrested and held in connection with the foiled plot.
Initially, authorities were hesitant to publicly confirm the coup attempt, claiming the officers were under investigation for indiscipline and breach of service regulations.
Following the controversy, President Tinubu reshuffled service chiefs, retaining only Olufemi Oluyede and Emmanuel Undiandeye. Oluyede, formerly Chief of Army Staff, was appointed Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Christopher Musa, while Undiandeye kept his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Amid claims of Christian genocide raised by US President Donald Trump, Musa was later brought back to serve as Minister of Defence, replacing Muhammed Badaru, who said he resigned on health grounds.
Two months after the arrests, the military confirmed the existence of the coup plot, announcing that those involved would face trial.
Sources say investigators believe Ma’aji was a key strategist, overseeing planning and logistics. One source noted his earlier efforts to secure a posting to the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, may have been part of the plot.
“There was a time he was seeking powerful connections to secure a posting to the ONSA,” the source said.
Financial trails, it was learned, place Ma’aji at the centre of the investigation.
“He was responsible for transferring funds to co-plotters,” a source said.
One transaction under review is linked to Timi Sylva, former governor of Bayelsa State, with whom Ma’aji maintained ties from his service in the Niger Delta.
Following the arrests of Ma’aji and other officers, Sylva’s Abuja residence was searched, raising suspicions of potential civilian collaboration.
Sylva’s spokesperson, Julius Bokoru, denied any involvement, describing his principal as an unrepentant and thoroughbred democrat who has consistently supported President Tinubu.
Sources report that since his arrest, Ma’aji has remained unrepentant and emotionally detached, showing little remorse and refusing to cooperate with investigators.
Ma’aji, service number N/10668, was born on March 1, 1976. A Nupe native from Edati Local Government, Niger State, he began his military training on August 18, 1995, and graduated on September 16, 2000, as part of the 47 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He built much of his operational experience in the Niger Delta, an oil-rich region that later became central to his professional and political network.
Ma’aji participated in Operation Crocodile Smile II in 2017, a major Nigerian Army exercise addressing militancy, oil theft, and insecurity in the Niger Delta and South-west.
He also served at the Depot Nigerian Army, commanded Operation Delta Safe, and held various sensitive operational roles.
Promoted to lieutenant colonel in 2013 and to full colonel in 2017, Ma’aji was at the time of his arrest serving as Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Okitipupa, Ondo State.
Comments