Former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), has revealed that a powerful group within the late General Sani Abacha’s military administration allegedly marked him and three other senior officers for retirement and political isolation.
Abubakar made the revelation in his autobiography Call of Duty, where he detailed what he described as the influence of an informal “inner circle” or “kitchen cabinet” that operated around Abacha and shaped key government decisions outside official structures.
According to him, the group repeatedly pushed for the removal of certain senior officers, including himself, Lt-Gen. Jeremiah Useni, Lt-Gen. Garba Duba, and Maj-Gen. Mohammed Haladu.
He said although pressure was mounted for their retirement, they survived because Abacha remained loyal to close associates, while some members of the same group were later removed from service.
Abubakar, who served as Chief of Defence Staff under Abacha, said he personally advised the late head of state to disband the influential clique, which he believed was undermining formal decision-making within government.
He further disclosed that the group even suggested the arrest of former military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), a proposal Abacha reportedly rejected.
The former leader also recounted internal debates over the detention of Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, noting that several officials had urged Abacha to release him and seek a political resolution. However, Abacha did not approve the recommendation.
Abubakar said many major decisions during the Abacha regime were influenced by informal discussions outside official military council meetings, although final authority remained with the head of state.
He also addressed long-standing allegations concerning Abacha’s foreign assets, saying he was surprised by reports of massive offshore funds and insisting he had no knowledge of such transactions during his time in office.
He further denied claims that he received $500 million after Abacha’s death, describing the allegation as false.
Abdulsalami Abubakar served as Head of State for less than a year, during which Nigeria transitioned from military rule to democracy in 1999, a period widely regarded as the foundation of the Fourth Republic.
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