Major Fadipe's Explosive Revelation: 1997 Coup Was Real—Abacha Was Targeted for Abduction

 Major Fadipe's Explosive Revelation: 1997 Coup Was Real—Abacha Was Targeted for Abduction

The Secret Coup Plot That Nearly Changed Nigeria’s History

In a groundbreaking revelation, retired Major Seun Fadipe, former Chief Security Officer to the late Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya, has confirmed that the alleged 1997 coup attempt was real—and not just a fabricated political maneuver. Fadipe disclosed that a high-stakes plan to abduct General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s military Head of State at the time, was in motion but was foiled at the last minute.

This exposé sheds light on the power struggles, covert military operations, and betrayals that defined Nigeria’s military leadership during one of its most turbulent eras.

The Enugu Abduction Plot: A Plan That Almost Succeeded

According to Fadipe, the plot was spearheaded by then-Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya. The plan was to seize Abacha during an official military event in Enugu, force him into submission, and orchestrate a change of government. However, at the eleventh hour, Abacha received classified intelligence about the plot and abruptly canceled his trip, effectively saving himself from an unexpected overthrow.

Recounting the dramatic moment, Fadipe revealed:

“The next morning, my boss told me and a few security personnel: ‘If Oga had traveled yesterday, he would have been arrested and there would have been a change of government.’” (Source: Global Upfront)

This statement confirms longstanding suspicions that the 1997 coup attempt was not merely a politically motivated accusation, but a genuine plot to remove Abacha from power.

The Aftermath: Arrests, Trials, and Death Sentences

Once the plan was uncovered, Abacha’s regime responded with swift and brutal force. Over 200 military officers and civilians were rounded up and charged with treason. Lieutenant General Diya, along with other top military officials, was arrested and subjected to a Special Military Tribunal led by General Victor Malu.

By April 28, 1998, the tribunal had convicted several key figures, sentencing them to death. However, the course of history changed dramatically when General Sani Abacha died suddenly on June 8, 1998. His successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, granted pardons to Diya and others who had been marked for execution.

Major Fadipe’s Perspective: Loyalty and Betrayal

Fadipe, who was also arrested during the coup crackdown, has consistently maintained that he was never part of the conspiracy. He insists that his loyalty to General Diya was unwavering, even in the face of allegations and detainment.

“There was no way I would have betrayed my boss. A lot of things happened when we came out of detention; he was trying to malign me, but I just knew he was a man struggling to survive.” (Source: Global Upfront)

His account paints a picture of the paranoia, high-stakes power struggles, and complex relationships within the military elite at the time.

The Bigger Picture: A Nation on the Brink

The 1997 coup attempt is a stark reminder of Nigeria’s volatile political landscape in the 1990s. The aborted plan highlights:

• The fragility of military rule: Even the most powerful leaders could be vulnerable to internal betrayal.
• The influence of intelligence leaks: Had Abacha not received classified information in time, history might have taken a different turn.
• The consequences of power struggles: The event led to mass arrests, death sentences, and heightened insecurity within the military.

This incident was one of many that shaped Nigeria’s transition from military dictatorship to democracy, underscoring the intricate and often dangerous dance of political power in the country.

Conclusion: Unraveling Nigeria’s Military Past

Major Fadipe’s shocking revelation about the 1997 coup attempt provides a rare glimpse into a defining moment in Nigeria’s history. The thwarted plot to abduct General Sani Abacha was more than just a rumor—it was a real, high-risk plan that nearly succeeded.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with political power shifts and governance challenges, understanding these historical events is crucial in shaping informed discussions on leadership, loyalty, and the pursuit of democratic stability.

This explosive account, backed by credible sources and insider testimony, redefines the narrative of Nigeria’s military past, offering deep insights into an era of secrecy, survival, and strategic power plays.