On March 5, 1986, Major Daniel Idowu Bamidele, a decorated officer of the Nigerian Army, was executed by firing squad alongside nine other military personnel accused of plotting the so-called “Vatsa Coup” against General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. But unlike others, Bamidele’s story was not one of rebellion — it was one of loyalty, betrayal, and the tragic cost of silence.
Born in 1949, Bamidele joined the Nigerian Army in 1968 at the height of the civil war. He began as a non-commissioned officer in the 12th Commando Brigade, where he fought under Colonel Benjamin Adekunle and later Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo. His battlefield skill and discipline earned him officer training, and on July 29, 1970, he was commissioned after completing the Nigerian Defence Academy course.
In October 1983, while on official duty in Kaduna, Bamidele overheard rumours of an imminent coup to topple President Shehu Shagari. Acting dutifully, he reported the intelligence to his General Officer Commanding, Major General Muhammadu Buhari. Unknown to him, Buhari was among the plotters.
Within days, Bamidele was arrested, accused of the very coup he tried to expose, and detained by military intelligence. Fake witnesses and false reports were produced against him, but after two weeks in Tego Barracks and no evidence, he was released. On January 1, 1984, Buhari himself emerged as Head of State, confirming the betrayal.
Shaken by the ordeal, Bamidele resolved never again to involve himself in coup reports.
After Babangida’s ouster of Buhari in August 1985, rumours of another plot began to circulate. Bamidele was implicated after attending a meeting in Makurdi with senior officers, including Major General Mamman Vatsa, Lt. Col. Musa Bitiyong, and others. Though political discussions took place, there was no clear evidence of coup planning.
But Bamidele’s silence — rooted in his 1983 betrayal — was used against him. He was accused of failing to report the alleged conspiracy.
Bamidele faced a secret Special Military Tribunal with no right of appeal. Despite weak evidence, he was convicted of conspiracy to commit treason.
Before his execution, he delivered a chilling final statement:
“I heard of the 1983 coup planning, told my GOC General Buhari who detained me for two weeks in Lagos. Instead of a pat on the back, I received a stab. How then do you expect me to report this one? This trial marks the eclipse of my brilliant and unblemished career of 19 years… It is unfortunate that I’m being convicted for something which I have had to stop on two occasions.”
On March 5, 1986, he was executed at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison alongside Vatsa and eight others.
Major Daniel Idowu Bamidele’s life remains a haunting reminder of the dangers faced by soldiers of conscience in an era of absolute military power. He was punished first for speaking up, and later for remaining silent.
Today, he stands as a symbol of tragic integrity — a loyal officer betrayed by the very system he swore to defend. His name lives on as one of Nigeria’s unsung heroes, a soldier who paid the ultimate price for truth and honour.
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