Colonel Ma’aji Arrested in Alleged Coup Conspiracy

Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, the alleged leader of a foiled coup against President Bola Tinubu's administration, was arrested after military authorities exploited his ambition for promotion to brigadier general. Documents from the investigation reveal that Ma’aji was invited to a meeting at Niger Barracks, purportedly to discuss his stalled promotion.

He was assured that his promotion concerns would be addressed. However, the situation changed when Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, arrived and redirected the meeting's purpose.

Ma’aji was taken to the Defence Intelligence Agency headquarters, where he was questioned about his involvement in a coup plot alongside other military officers. Initially denying any involvement, he was informed that one conspirator had been arrested and another had fled.

The investigation began on 29 September 2025, with Ma’aji expressing frustration over missed promotion opportunities and stating that he had contemplated a military takeover since 2023 due to concerns over insecurity and welfare issues.