Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd), has revealed that no successful military coup in Nigeria`s history occurred without the active financial backing and involvement of wealthy civilians.

Babangida, popularly known as IBB, made the assertion during an interview on Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna, Niger State, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday.

Reflecting on the country`s political history, the former leader stated authoritatively that military officers relied heavily on civilian collaborators to successfully executing regime changes.

“No successful coup in Nigeria’s history has ever happened without the involvement of civilians,” IBB said, pointing out that wealthy individuals frequently provided the logistics and political backing necessary to validate such takeovers.

The former military president also opened up about the infamous 1985 abortive coup against his administration, which led to the execution of his childhood friend and then-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Major General Mamman Vatsa.

IBB confessed that he initially doubted the intelligence linking Vatsa to the treasonable plot due to their deep personal history as schoolmates and lifelong friends.

To confront the rumors, IBB recalled summoning both Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office after a top military commander implicated them.

“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.

While Gado Nasko was subsequently cleared of all charges by the military tribunal, the investigation uncovered undeniable evidence implicating Vatsa.

IBB described feeling "shocked, devastated, and deeply disappointed" when his close ally`s involvement was confirmed. Despite their personal bond, he stated that the rigid nature of military justice left him with no choice but to approve the execution.

“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,” IBB lamented.