MINNA, August 17, 2026 — Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said he could not have intervened to save his childhood friend and former military colleague, Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, after a military inquiry found him culpable in an alleged plot to overthrow his administration in 1985.
Babangida, who turned 85 on Monday, said his close relationship with Vatsa made the allegations difficult to believe initially, but that the findings of the military investigation left him with no option under the military system of the time.
Speaking during a special birthday programme on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio, monitored by our correspondent in Minna, Babangida recalled that he and Vatsa had grown up together in Niger State, attended the same school and joined the Nigerian Army in the same year.
«“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 said.»
He said he subsequently summoned Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office after receiving reports that they had been mentioned in connection with an alleged plot to topple his government.
According to Babangida, both officers denied any involvement when questioned, prompting the establishment of a military commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations.
He said the commission subsequently cleared Nasko but found evidence linking Vatsa to the alleged coup plot.
«“When 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 consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother and friend, Mamman Vatsa,” he said.»
‘No coup without civilians’ involvement’
Babangida also said military coups in Nigeria could not be viewed solely as the actions of military officers, arguing that civilians had played roles in the country’s history of military takeovers.
The former military ruler alleged that wealthy civilians sometimes provided significant support for military coups.
His comments come as Nigeria continues to reflect on the country’s military era and the political consequences of repeated military interventions in governance.
Babangida recalls friendship with MKO Abiola
Reflecting on his relationship with the late businessman and politician Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Babangida described him as a close personal friend whose philanthropy extended across religious, ethnic and regional boundaries.
«“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 Nigeria and was exceptionally generous,” Babangida said.»
Abiola’s political legacy remains closely associated with the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled during Babangida’s administration.
IBB: June 12 annulment was one of my toughest decisions
Babangida described the annulment of the 1993 presidential election as one of the most difficult decisions of his military career, maintaining that it was taken collectively at the time in what his administration considered to be the country’s best interest.
«“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 in the best interest of the nation,” he said.»
The annulment of the election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most consequential political events, remains one of the most debated decisions of the country’s military era.
IBB urges Nigerians to remain hopeful
On Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, Babangida called on traditional and religious leaders to place national interest above other considerations and play a stronger role in promoting unity, peace and stability.
He also urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing optimism that ongoing Federal Government efforts would eventually produce positive results.
Babangida said continued commitment to national unity and collective responsibility remained essential to building a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.
