Mohammed Ma’aji, a colonel in the Nigerian Army, has been identified by military investigators as the major leader of the botched coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In late September 2025, military authorities started arresting senior officers suspected of involvement in the coup, including Mr Ma’aji. By early October of that year, 16 officers had been arrested and detained in connection with the coup plot. Col. Ma’aji: The man behind the coup plotMilitary sources who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES said investigators believed that Mr Ma’aji played a key role as a strategist in the coup plot, coordinating planning and logistics. He also served at the Depot Nigerian Army, later becoming Commander, Operation Delta Safe, and at different times held sensitive operational responsibilities.