Former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has opened up on the shocking details of the alleged coup attempt led by his childhood friend, General Mamman Vatsa, and the painful decision he had to make between loyalty and national security.
In his newly released autobiography, A Journey of Service, launched on February 20, 2025, Babangida detailed how he initially dismissed whispers of Vatsa’s involvement in a plot to overthrow his government. However, intelligence reports later uncovered what he described as “irrefutable evidence” that Vatsa had financially backed a coup plan.
The revelations are captured in Chapter 10 of the book, The Challenges of Leadership, where Babangida recounted that he first confronted Vatsa over the allegations. Despite Vatsa’s denial, deeper military investigations unearthed disturbing plans, including a scheme to bomb Eko Bridge in Lagos, sabotage Air Force assets, and even take down the presidential aircraft.
“Once the evidence became undeniable, arrests were made. It was discovered that Vatsa had paid officers to facilitate the coup. Lt-Col. Musa Bitiyong, for instance, received N50,000, which he admitted to, though Vatsa claimed it was meant to support a farming project,” Babangida wrote.
With the tribunal’s findings sealing their fate, Vatsa and nine others were executed in March 1986. Babangida described the decision as a personal tragedy but an unavoidable step for national stability.
“I had to choose between sparing a friend’s life and securing the future of the nation. The consequences of a failed coup were well understood by anyone in the military,” he noted, admitting the emotional toll it took on him.
Despite Vatsa’s family and political circles attempting to challenge the verdict, Babangida maintained that the move was necessary to preserve the cohesion of the armed forces and prevent chaos. He also revealed that some military officers had previously opposed Vatsa’s appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, arguing that he had not actively participated in removing General Buhari.
At the book launch and fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library in Abuja, Babangida also addressed another controversial moment in his rule—the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which he confirmed was won by Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In Chapter 12, Transition to Civil Rule and the June 12 Saga, Babangida expressed regret over the decision, stating that he was outmaneuvered by internal forces led by General Sani Abacha.
“I remember telling myself: ‘These internal forces against the elections have outflanked me!’ That was the moment I realized I was caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. I regrettably had to take responsibility for what happened,” he admitted.
He further justified the annulment by revealing that intelligence reports warned of an assassination plot against Abiola, which could have sparked another civil war.
“Denying him his mandate was a great injustice, but I was terrified that if Abiola were killed, Nigeria could descend into another civil war. Having lived through the horrors of the first one, I wasn’t prepared to witness another,” he wrote on page 287 of his book.
Vatsa’s Family Rejects IBB’s Justification, Demands Restitution
Reacting to Babangida’s account, a member of the late Vatsa’s family, Jonathan Vatsa, strongly criticized the former head of state, maintaining that the execution was unjust.
“My brother was killed unfairly. He had the right to appeal, but before he could do so, they hurriedly executed him. Why the rush? They saw him as a threat,” he asserted.
He also called on Babangida to go beyond mere apologies, urging him to make amends for the actions taken during his regime.
“He owes Nigerians an apology for many things, but beyond that, he should make restitution. He is still alive, and he has the opportunity to right his wrongs. He should have the courage to do so,” Jonathan added.
With Babangida’s new revelations stirring renewed debate, many are left wondering whether an apology alone is enough to heal the wounds of the past.