Mohammed Ma’aji — a serving colonel now viewed by security investigators as the key coordinator in the alleged plot to destabilise Nigeria’s democracy — once served as chief security adviser to former Bayelsa State governor and ex-minister of state for petroleum resources, Timipre Sylva, during the 2015 gubernatorial election.
Investigators recently searched Sylva’s Abuja homes, while his current location remains unclear.
His media aide, Julius Bokoru, has strongly denied any link between Sylva and the alleged coup attempt, describing the APC chieftain as a “thoroughbred democrat” and loyal supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ma’aji, considered “very close” to Sylva by insiders, reportedly coordinated the politician’s security arrangements during the December 2015 governorship contest — one in which Sylva, representing the All Progressives Congress, secured 86,852 votes but lost to the PDP’s Seriake Dickson, who won with 134,998 votes.
Sylva previously governed Bayelsa during his time in the PDP from 2007 to 2012, winning a re-run election after his first victory was annulled, before later being denied a second-term ticket in favour of Dickson.
Probe Widens Around Colonel’s Role
Although investigators have not conclusively established whether Ma’aji conceived the coup plan, he is believed to have played a pivotal operational role — including recruiting junior military personnel and allegedly arranging funds and logistics. These claims have triggered speculation about potential financial backing from politically powerful sponsors.
The colonel, who spent several years serving in the oil-rich Niger Delta, has so far refused to cooperate with the Special Investigative Panel, maintaining complete silence on the allegations. However, junior officers have reportedly made “significant statements,” advancing the probe.
Security agencies have conducted forensic examinations on Ma’aji and his wife, while searching their Abuja property. Preliminary findings, according to military sources, include details of bank accounts and extensive real estate reportedly linked to the couple.
A photo in circulation shows Ma’aji seated prominently at the centre of the front row during his time as president of Course 21 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
Who Is Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji?
Born in 1976 in Niger State to Nupe parents, Ma’aji enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of Regular Course 47 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 2000.
He rose steadily through the ranks and became a colonel in 2017 after completing the Policy, Strategy and Leadership Course at NIPSS, Plateau State.
He served as Commanding Officer of the 19 Battalion in Okitipupa, Ondo State, before being posted to Koko in Warri North, Delta State. In January 2021, he assumed command of Operation Delta Safe following a transfer from the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria.