Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has opened up on the execution of his childhood friend and former military colleague, General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, saying his hands were tied after a military panel found him involved in the 1985 coup plot to overthrow him.
Babangida spoke during a special programme monitored on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna as part of activities marking his 85th birthday.
The former military ruler said he initially found it difficult to believe allegations that Vatsa was plotting to overthrow his government because of their close relationship.
According to him, he and Vatsa grew up together, attended the then Bida Middle School, now Government College, Bida, graduated in the same year and joined the military together.
“When I first heard the rumours 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?” Babangida stated.
IBB said he subsequently summoned Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office after their names were linked to the alleged coup plot.
“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,” he said.
Babangida said a military commission of inquiry was later constituted to investigate the allegations.
He said while Nasko was cleared by the panel, investigators found evidence linking Vatsa to the coup plot.
The former Head of State said the development was devastating to him but that he could not intervene in the process.
“When it was finally confirmed that investigations 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,” he lamented.
Babangida also alleged that successful military coups in Nigeria had always involved civilian actors, particularly wealthy individuals who provided support for military takeovers.
On the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Babangida described him as a close personal friend and a generous Nigerian who supported people across ethnic, religious and regional lines.
According to him, “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”.
Speaking on the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Babangida described it as one of the toughest decisions of his military career.
He said the decision was taken collectively by his administration in what they believed was the best interest of Nigeria 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,” the elder statesman further stated.
Babangida also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the current economic and security challenges, while calling for continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He, however, appealed to traditional and religious leaders to put national interest above other considerations and work towards peace, unity and progress.
Babangida will celebrate his 85th birthday on Monday, August 17, 2026, with special prayers at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.
“My hands were tied, I couldn’t save Vatsa from death” – Former President Babangida