Nigerian Colonel Ma’aji Identified as Chief Suspect in Foiled Coup Plot

Colonel Ma’aji, a Nigerian military officer born in 1976 to Nupe parents in Niger State, has been identified as the principal suspect behind a foiled coup plot targeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. The coup attempt, which occurred in October 2025, involved 16 military officers, including Ma’aji, who served as a command officer at the 19 Battalion in Ondo State before his current role as a security advisor during the 2015 Bayelsa State governorship election.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters initially denied the coup reports but later confirmed the involvement of the officers. Ma’aji's name prominently featured among the accused officers.

The plot was successfully thwarted, drawing national attention to the military's efforts to maintain security and stability in the country.