Vatsa’s 1985 coup plot left me d£vastated – IBB

Vatsa’s 1985 coup plot left me devastated – IBB

Former Military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has revealed that he was devastated when he learnt that late Gen Mamman Vatsa plotted his overthrow.

Babangida said there was nothing he could have done to save Vatsa, his childhood friend, from the consequences of his alleged involvement in the December 1985 coup plot against his administration.

Babangida, popularly called IBB, disclosed this in a private radio programme on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio, Minna, monitored by our correspondent on Thursday, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday anniversary scheduled for August 17, 2026.

IBB’s remark is coming nearly four decades after the late Gen Vatsa was executed for an alleged involvement in the coup termed a treasonable offence.

“I initially found it difficult to believe reports linking Vatsa to a planned coup because of our long-standing friendship and shared history.

“We grew up together, attended the then Bida Middle School, now known as Government College, Bida. We graduated in the same year and joined the military together.

“When I first heard the rumour that General Mamman Vatsa was involved in a plot to overthrow my administration, I could not believe it.

“We were childhood friends who grew up together, attended the same school and joined the military at the same time. How could I believe that he would plan a coup against me?” IBB said.

He recalled that when a senior military officer informed him of the allegations, he immediately summoned both Gen Vatsa and Gen Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office for clarification.

“When they arrived, I asked them about the reports that they had been mentioned in a plot to topple my government. Both of them denied any involvement.

“A military commission of inquiry was subsequently established to investigate the allegations. While General Gado Nasko was cleared of any wrongdoing, the panel found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot,” he said.

The former military president did not, however, state the exact offence whose findings left him devastated.

“When investigations finally revealed General Vatsa’s involvement in the aborted coup, I was shocked, devastated and deeply disappointed.

“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,” Babangida said.

The former military head of state maintained that no successful coup in Nigeria’s history had occurred without civilian involvement, stressing that wealthy civilians had often played significant roles in sponsoring military takeovers.

He also spoke on the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom he described as a close personal friend whose generosity transcended ethnic, religious and regional boundaries.

He said Abiola’s philanthropy touched the lives of countless Nigerians across the country.

“Chief MKO Abiola was a man who used his God-given wealth to positively impact the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their background. He built friendships across the country and was exceptionally generous,” he said.

On the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, Babangida said the decision was one of the most difficult of his military career.

He said the annulment was a collective decision taken in what was considered the overall interest of the country at the time.

“I must say that it was one of the toughest decisions taken during my military career, but it was made in what we believed was the best interest of the nation,” Babangida said.

He also commented on the current economic challenges and security situation across the country, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue in their support for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts by the government would eventually yield positive results for the country.

The elder statesman appealed to traditional and religious leaders to place national interest above all other considerations and continue to work towards the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.