“I Was Somewhat Depressed” – IBB Opens Up on Executing Childhood Friend, Vatsa

Former Nigerian military leader, Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), reveals his emotional struggle over the execution of his childhood friend, Mamman Vatsa, during his regime.

Retired General Ibrahim Babangida, a former military leader, has spoken out about the unsuccessful coup attempt reportedly led by his lifelong friend, General Mamman Vatsa. He discussed the difficult decision he had to make between personal loyalty and national security.

In his recently published autobiography, “A Journey of Service,” released on February 20, 2025, Babangida—widely known as IBB—offers his viewpoint on the circumstances that resulted in Vatsa’s execution.

He remembers first learning about the alleged plot from rumors that were going around, which he initially brushed off as jealousy of their close relationship.

In Chapter 10, titled “The Challenges of Leadership,” Babangida discusses his consultations with senior officers such as Generals Nasko, Garba Duba, and Wushishi prior to initiating covert investigations. According to him, these inquiries uncovered undeniable evidence implicating Vatsa in funding the coup.

Babangida stated, “Based on our experience during the few months in government and reflecting on past rumors, I concluded that the most effective approach to address speculation about a potential Vatsa coup was to directly confront the main suspects.”

He stated, “When the intensity of the stories became overwhelming, I personally approached Vatsa after informing senior colleagues such as Generals Nasko, Garba Duba, and Wushishi about the rumors. Nasko stepped in to seek clarification from Vatsa. Although Vatsa completely denied everything, covert investigations by military and other intelligence services were still underway.”

Babangida noted that the investigations uncovered evidence of Vatsa supplying funds to officers to further coup plans. It was reported that Lt-Col. Musa Bitiyong received N50,000 from Vatsa, who asserted it was intended for a farming project.

“He confessed, and Vatsa acknowledged the payment as well but claimed his intention was to assist Bitiyong in setting up a farm project. Lt-Col. Musa’s situation was further complicated due to his past involvement in other contentious coup-related incidents,” Babangida recounted.

The supposed coup plot involved plans to bomb Lagos’ Eko Bridge, disrupt Air Force activities, and target the presidential aircraft.

“I experienced a profound personal sense of betrayal,” Babangida wrote, reflecting on their shared history that dates back to their youth in Minna.

After the military tribunal’s deliberation, Vatsa and other coup plotters were executed in March 1986. Babangida referred to this decision as both a personal loss and a necessary measure to protect Nigeria.

“They had orchestrated a violent coup that threatened to shroud the nation in darkness. I faced an impossible choice: save a friend’s life or safeguard the future of my country,” he wrote.

Although the decision carried emotional weight, Babangida insisted that maintaining national stability was more important than personal grief.

Naturally, Vatsa’s passing was a personal loss of a childhood friend. As his friend, witnessing him die under such circumstances deeply saddened me.

Nevertheless, the stability of the nation and unity within the armed forces were prioritized above personal interests. The rule of law, along with the demands for order and national security, take precedence.

Babangida also commented on later efforts to politicize the incident, asserting that he maintained his belief in the necessity of the executions for ensuring both armed forces unity and the nation’s future.

He admitted that certain officers were displeased with Vatsa’s appointment as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, due to his lack of involvement in the coup that overthrew General Muhammadu Buhari. Nonetheless, Babangida maintained that he had done everything possible to maintain their friendship.

“I stayed loyal to our friendship and went above and beyond to accommodate his excesses and boisterous behavior,” he wrote.