A Nigerian Army Colonel, Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has admitted participating in the scheme.

This was just as he revealed that his actions were motivated by patriotism and frustration over the worsening socio-economic and security conditions in the country.

Ma’aji, in a statement made available on Monday, appealed to the authorities to pardon him and other officers allegedly involved in the plot, insisting that the move was not driven by personal ambition but by a desire to see Nigeria become more prosperous and secure.

The colonel said he became increasingly concerned about the hardship confronting Nigerians, including members of the Armed Forces, as well as what he described as poor governance, insecurity, inadequate welfare and declining living standards.

He said the circumstances had created fears that the country was heading towards collapse.

“What has happened has a very long history, and it is driven by patriotism, and I love the job and country,” Ma’aji said.

“Every time I look at how I’m struggling to raise five children with my meagre salary, I get worried. Looking at every aspect of life in Nigeria, there is no hope for the common man, and we are left to defend ourselves.

“This has nothing to do with any ambition or personal goals. It is purely out of the desire for a prosperous country that works for everyone.”

Ma’aji alleged that the welfare challenges confronting military personnel, particularly soldiers wounded during operations, contributed to the grievances that culminated in the alleged plot.

He said the initiative was still at the stage of mobilisation and discussions when security agencies intervened, stressing that no definite date had been fixed for any action.

The colonel also denied the involvement of foreign collaborators, explaining that different individuals joined the discussions at various stages.

According to him, some people who were approached expressed sympathy with the concerns being raised, while others eventually withdrew or failed to provide resources they had initially promised.

Ma’aji further linked his involvement to frustrations over his failure to secure promotion to the rank of brigadier-general on two occasions.

He said some of his colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement following his second setback.

However, the officer said his experience in detention had changed his outlook, making him realise that grievances within the military could be channelled through lawful and established mechanisms.

“If God willing, the authority is kind enough to pardon us, we will never contemplate this course of action again in the future,” he said.

Ma’aji urged the Army authorities to establish a formal mechanism through which serving personnel could communicate grievances directly to the Chief of Army Staff without fear of victimisation.

He also advocated improved salaries and welfare packages for military personnel, including better healthcare, housing, pensions and support for their families.

The colonel called for reforms in the military’s casualty management system, warning that the treatment of wounded soldiers could have a significant impact on the morale of personnel deployed to combat zones.

He also criticised alleged godfatherism and inequality in military postings and career progression, claiming that some officers had spent years in operational areas while others had little or no operational exposure.

Turning to the wider economic situation, Ma’aji expressed concern over the rising cost of living, the state of education, corruption and the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

He urged the Federal Government to channel savings from subsidy reforms into programmes that would cushion the effects of the policy on citizens, including mass transportation and other social infrastructure.

He also called for stronger action against corruption, arguing that perceived impunity among public officials could undermine the morale and confidence of security personnel.

On the alleged coup plot, Ma’aji maintained that the objective was not to destabilise Nigeria but, in his words, to contribute to the emergence of a country in which citizens could have a better future.

“Everything we planned was born out of patriotism, love of country, and the desire to have a prosperous Nigeria that we all can be proud of,” he said.

The colonel appealed to the authorities to consider the circumstances surrounding the alleged plot and pardon those accused of participating, describing them as first offenders.

“We are pleading for a pardon and a chance to amend our ways. Many of the officers have participated in some operations in the North-East. I am happy nobody has been hurt,” he said.

Ma’aji described his detention as “challenging and revealing”, saying the experience had compelled him to reconsider how grievances should be expressed within the military.

He maintained that those involved had no other country to call home and urged the authorities to weigh their contributions to national security against the allegations they are facing.

He concluded by requesting an opportunity to meet with the relevant authorities, apologise and commit to pursuing lawful and peaceful avenues for addressing grievances.