Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd. has broken his silence on the execution of his childhood friend and former military colleague, General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, declaring that his hands were tied and that there was nothing he could have done to save him from the consequences of military law after a panel found him involved in the 1985 coup plot against his administration.
Babangida made the revelation during a special programme monitored on Badeggi 90.1 FM Radio in Minna on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday anniversary, which will be celebrated on Monday, August 17, 2026 . The former military ruler's remarks come nearly four decades after Vatsa was executed for treason in March 1986, following his alleged involvement in the December 1985 coup plot .
Babangida disclosed that 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," Babangida stated. "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?" .
The former military president recalled that after a senior military officer informed him of the allegations, he immediately summoned both General Mamman Vatsa and General 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," he said .
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 . Babangida said the findings left him devastated but that he could not intervene in the process. "When investigations finally revealed General Vatsa's involvement in the aborted coup, I was shocked, devastated and deeply disappointed," he lamented. "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 also alleged that successful military coups in Nigeria have 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 . "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 .
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 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 . The former military president will celebrate his 85th birthday on Monday, August 17, 2026, with special prayers at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State .
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