How Babangida Survived Two Coup Attempts

General Ibrahim Babangida

served as the military ruler of Nigeria from 1985 until his resignation in 1993. During his regime, he faced significant challenges including two major coup attempts aimed at toppling his government. These coup attempts highlighted the turbulent political landscape of Nigeria during the late 20th century. It also revealed the deep-seated grievances among military officers and the challenges Babangida faced in maintaining stability in the country.

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The harsh responses to these attempts ultimately solidified his power but also contributed to growing discontent that would later manifest in widespread calls for democratic governance. Here’s a closer look at these events, their conspirators, and the consequences.

Mamman Vatsa Coup Attempt (1986)

On March 1, 1986, a coup attempt led by Major General Mamman Vatsa was thwarted by the Babangida regime. Vatsa was childhood friends with Ibrahim Babangida, and they both attended the same educational institutions. Years later, Babangida played the role of best man during Vatsa’s wedding ceremony. During the regime of Gen. Babangida, Vatsa served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Abuja, and was also a member of the Supreme Military Council. He was also the Commander of the Engineering Corps. The coup of March 1986 involved a coordinated effort among disgruntled military personnel whom were seeking to address their grievances against the government. The coup was primarily orchestrated by  Vatsa and a few other military officers, but it was discovered before it could be executed.

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The failed coup led to a swift and severe crackdown by Babangida. In the aftermath, several officers, including Maj.Gen. Vatsa, were arrested. On 5 March 1986, Vatsa and his co-conspirators were executed by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida following a military tribunal conviction for treason associated with an abortive coup. This action served as a warning to others who might consider similar actions against the regime, tightening Babangida’s grip on power. Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa  was born on 3 December 1940 in Bida, Niger State. Vatsa was also an accomplished poet and writer. He was a facilitator and patron of the arts in Nigeria, where he organized writing workshops for his fellow soldiers and their children and got their works published.  

Gideon Orkar Coup Attempt (1990)

The second major coup attempt occurred on April 22, 1990. This coup attempt was more serious and involved a larger faction of the military. It served in showcasing significant discontent with Babangida’s rule, especially regarding ethnic favouritism and political oppression. The coup was led by Major Gideon Orkar, alongside other disgruntled military officers and politicians.

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Orkar’s group aimed to not only topple Babangida but also to establish a government that would restructure Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly advocating for the interests of the northern and middle-belt regions. The coup was partially successful initially, with conspirators briefly taking control of key locations in Lagos. Orkar and his conspirators seized the FRCN radio station, various military posts around Lagos. They also seized Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the military headquarters and presidential Villa. Babangida was present at Dodan Barrack when it was attacked but managed to escape by a back route. In his coup address, Orkar called for the excision of five northern states. However, the coup was quickly suppressed and crushed by the Babangida regime’s loyalist forces.

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Following the failure, Major Orkar and 41 other conspirators were convicted of treason and executed by by a firing squad on July 27, 1990. The aftermath of the coup attempt further intensified the already precarious political climate in Nigeria and led to heightened repression under Babangida’s regime. Gideon Orkar is of the Tiv heritage of Makurdi Local Government in Benue State.

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