Vatsa’s 1985 Coup Plot Left Me Devastated – IBB

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has disclosed that he was deeply shocked and devastated after investigations linked his childhood friend and fellow military officer, the late General Mamman Vatsa, to the December 1985 coup attempt against his administration.

Babangida made the disclosure during a private radio programme on Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna on Thursday, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday anniversary on August 17, 2026.

According to IBB, he initially found it difficult to believe the allegations against Vatsa because of their longstanding friendship and shared military background.

He said both men grew up together, attended the then Bida Middle School, now Government College, Bida, graduated in the same year and joined the military around the same period.

Babangida recalled that after receiving reports implicating Vatsa and then General Mohammed Gado Nasko in the alleged plot, he summoned both officers for clarification. While they denied involvement, a military commission of inquiry was subsequently established to investigate the allegations.

He said the panel cleared Nasko but found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot.

Babangida said the findings left him “shocked, devastated and deeply disappointed,” adding that military law left him with no option to exonerate Vatsa from the consequences of the findings.

“There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa,” he said.

Vatsa was subsequently executed following his conviction over his alleged involvement in the coup plot.

The former military ruler also maintained that successful military coups in Nigeria had historically involved civilian participation, particularly wealthy individuals who provided support for military takeovers.

Speaking about the late businessman and philanthropist, Chief MKO Abiola, Babangida described him as a close friend whose generosity extended beyond ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.

He praised Abiola for using his wealth to support Nigerians across the country and build relationships with people from different backgrounds.

On the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Babangida described the decision as one of the most difficult moments of his military career.

He said the decision2 was taken collectively at the time based on what his administration believed was in the overall interest of Nigeria.

Babangida also addressed the country’s current economic difficulties and security challenges, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed confidence that ongoing government efforts would eventually produce positive outcomes.

The former military president further called on traditional and religious leaders to prioritise national interest and continue contributing to the unity, peace and development of Nigeria.