Vatsa’s 1985 coup plot left me devastated – IBB

Former Military President Ibrahim Babangida revealed he was devastated by the discovery that his childhood friend, the late Gen. Mamman Vatsa, plotted to overthrow his administration in a December 1985 coup attempt.

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

Babangida, popularly known as IBB, shared these sentiments during a radio program marking his 85th birthday anniversary. He described his initial disbelief, given their long-standing friendship that began in childhood, through attending the same school, and joining 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," Babangida said. "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?"

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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?

He recalled summoning Vatsa and another senior military officer, Gen. Mohammed Gado Nasko, for clarification. While Nasko was cleared, a military commission of inquiry found evidence implicating Vatsa. "When investigations finally revealed General Vatsa’s involvement in the aborted coup, I was shocked, devastated and deeply disappointed," Babangida stated.

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

Despite his personal feelings, Babangida explained that military law left him with no choice. "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 touched upon the role of civilian sponsors in successful coups and described Chief MKO Abiola as a close friend.

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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.