Abdulsalami Recounts Experiences During Vatsa, Orkar Coup Attempts

Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, has shared rare insights into some of the most turbulent moments in Nigeria’s military history, revealing how he survived and navigated the failed coup attempts linked to Mamman Vatsa and Gideon Orkar.

Abubakar made the revelations in his newly released autobiography, Call of Duty, where he reflected on the political intrigues, loyalty tests, and security challenges that defined Nigeria’s military era.

According to Abdulsalami, the 1986 coup plot allegedly led by his close friend and colleague, Mamman Vatsa, came as a shock to many officers within the military establishment. He recalled the tense atmosphere that followed the discovery of the plot and the difficult decisions that military authorities had to make.

The retired general noted that the incident deeply affected relationships within the armed forces, as several officers who had trained and served together suddenly found themselves on opposing sides. The coup attempt was eventually crushed, leading to the arrest, trial, and execution of Vatsa and others found guilty.

Surviving the Orkar Coup

Abdulsalami also recounted his experience during the April 1990 coup attempt led by Major Gideon Orkar against the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

He described the period as one of the most dangerous moments in Nigeria’s history, with intense fighting breaking out in parts of Lagos and key military installations coming under attack. The coup plotters temporarily seized control of some strategic locations and made radio broadcasts announcing the overthrow of the government.

However, loyalist forces quickly regrouped and successfully suppressed the rebellion. Abdulsalami said the experience underscored the importance of unity, discipline, and professionalism within the military.

Reflections on Military Rule

The former Head of State used the memoir to reflect on the broader consequences of military interventions in politics, arguing that repeated coups weakened institutions and created divisions within the armed forces. He maintained that Nigeria’s democracy, despite its imperfections, remains preferable to military rule.

Abdulsalami, who later became Head of State following the death of Sani Abacha in 1998, is widely credited with overseeing Nigeria’s transition to democratic governance and handing over power to elected civilian president Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

The revelations offer Nigerians a deeper understanding of the internal struggles that shaped the country’s political history. They also provide fresh perspectives on the events that influenced the eventual return to democratic rule after decades of military dominance.

For many observers, Abdulsalami’s account serves as both a historical record and a reminder of the dangers of political instability, highlighting the importance of preserving democratic institutions and national unity.