A Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, who is accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu, has stated that his actions were motivated by patriotism and deep frustration over deteriorating conditions across the country.

In a statement released on Monday, Colonel Ma’aji offered a formal apology for his involvement in the alleged plot and appealed to military and state authorities for leniency, insisting his motives were driven by a desire for national improvement rather than personal political ambition.

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

He explained that discussions surrounding the movement stemmed from widespread concerns among some personnel regarding governance challenges, widespread insecurity, poor economic conditions, and inadequate military welfare.

Ma’aji noted that his personal grievances were further compounded by career setbacks, specifically his non-promotion to the rank of Brigadier-General on two separate occasions, alongside financial difficulties in supporting his family on his military salary.

Addressing the state of the armed forces, the officer highlighted inadequate medical care for soldiers wounded in battle, uneven operational postings, and persistent gaps in retirement and pension support, which he argued severely undermine troop morale.

He clarified that the alleged plot was intercepted during its early mobilization and discussion stages, confirming that no fixed date had been established and denying any involvement by foreign sponsors or external entities.

The colonel admitted that his arrest and subsequent detention altered his perspective, leading him to recognize that grievances should be communicated through established constitutional channels rather than unauthorized movements.

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

In his plea for presidential and military clemency, Ma’aji urged the government to establish direct feedback channels for personnel to reach service chiefs, improve armed forces remuneration, and redirect revenue saved from fuel subsidy removal toward social welfare programs to ease public economic hardship.