Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has said there was little he could do to save his childhood friend and former military colleague, General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, after investigations established his involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow his administration in 1985.
Babangida made the disclosure in a special programme hosted by Baddegi 901 FM as part of activities marking his 85th birthday, monitored in Minna.
The former military leader said he initially found it difficult to believe reports linking Vatsa to the alleged coup plot because of their longstanding relationship dating back to childhood.
According to him, the two grew up together, attended the same Bida Middle School, now Government College, Bida, graduated in the same year and subsequently joined the military together.
“Because we were childhood friends, we all grew up together and attended the same Bida Middle School together, now Government College, Bida, and graduated the same year and joined the Military together. Then how could I believe that he would plan a coup against me?” Babangida asked.
He recalled that when a senior military officer first informed him that Vatsa had allegedly been mentioned in connection with the coup plot, he was shocked and initially dismissed the information as a rumour.
Babangida said he subsequently summoned Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office after hearing that both men had been mentioned in connection with the alleged plot.
“When they arrived, I asked them that it was rumoured that you people were mentioned to be involved in the coup to topple me. How true are the rumours? They both denied their alleged involvement,” he recalled.
He, however, said the subsequent investigation by a military commission exonerated Nasko, while evidence presented before the panel established Vatsa’s involvement in the coup plot.
Babangida said the development left him devastated, particularly because of his personal relationship with Vatsa.
“Honestly, I became shocked and devastated, became disorganised and disappointed,” he said.
The former military president explained that despite his personal relationship with Vatsa, military law left him with no option once the investigation had established his involvement.
“There is nothing I can do to exonerate him from the already existing consequence of the coup plot in the Military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa,” he added.
On military coups in Nigeria, Babangida said successful coups in the country had historically involved civilians, stressing that wealthy individuals had at various times played roles in sponsoring or supporting military interventions.
He also spoke warmly about the late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, describing him as a personal friend whom he had known since his early years in the military.
Babangida praised Abiola’s generosity and his contribution to Nigerians across ethnic, regional and religious divides.
“Chief MKO Abiola was that person that used his God-given wealth to impact on Nigerians regardless of where you come from. He built friends from every part of Nigeria and he was so generous. He does not care no matter where you come from; he will touch your lives positively with his wealth,” he said.
On the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections, Babangida described the decision as one of the toughest of his military career.
He said the decision was taken collectively and was considered, at the time, to be in the overall interest of the country.
“The annulment of the election was one of the toughest decisions taken for the overall interest of the country,” he said.
Speaking on Nigeria’s current economic challenges and insecurity, Babangida urged citizens to remain hopeful and continue to support the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed optimism that the country would overcome its current difficulties and that things would eventually take shape in the overall interest of Nigerians.
Babangida also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to always place the interest of Nigeria above personal, sectional and other considerations.
His 85th birthday is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, with special prayers expected to be held at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.
