In the turbulent history of Nigeria’s military era, few figures can claim the rare distinction of having directly participated in the removal of two sitting Heads of State. That man was Major Lawan Gwadabe — a daring and loyal officer whose actions twice altered the course of the nation.
The 1985 Arrest of Buhari
On August 27, 1985, then-Major Lawan Gwadabe was one of the key officers who led the palace coup that removed General Muhammadu Buhari from power. Acting under the direction of Major General Ibrahim Babangida (then Chief of Army Staff), Gwadabe and two other majors stormed the Presidential Villa and placed Buhari under arrest. The coup was swift, bloodless, and marked the beginning of Babangida’s eight-year rule.
Gwadabe’s role in that operation earned him significant trust within the new regime.
The 1993 Arrest of Shonekan
Eight years later, in November 1993, Major Gwadabe (by then a Colonel and Commander of the National Guard) found himself at the centre of yet another historic moment.
After the chaotic annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, General Ibrahim Babangida “stepped aside” and installed Chief Ernest Shonekan as head of an Interim National Government. However, the arrangement was unstable and faced massive opposition, especially from MKO Abiola’s camp.
On November 17, 1993, General Sani Abacha — who had remained Chief of Defence Staff — decided it was time to strike. He summoned Colonel Lawan Gwadabe and gave him direct orders: lead the operation to remove Shonekan.
Gwadabe, along with Generals Abacha, Oladipo Diya, and Aliyu Gusau, moved swiftly. National Guard troops under Gwadabe’s command surrounded Aso Rock. Gwadabe personally entered Shonekan’s office with heavily armed soldiers and placed a resignation letter on the table. Faced with overwhelming military presence and the reality of the situation, Shonekan signed and was escorted out of power.
Within hours, General Sani Abacha announced himself as the new Head of State.
A Remarkable Feat
Lawan Gwadabe’s involvement in the removal of both Buhari (1985) and Shonekan (1993) makes him one of the most unique actors in Nigeria’s coup-prone military history. He was a loyal executor of orders from the top brass, operating at critical junctures that shaped the country’s political trajectory for decades.
His story highlights the volatile nature of power during the military era — where loyalty, timing, and decisive action could elevate or topple governments overnight.
Source: Historical narration by @omolokun1 (featured in the Instagram reel by current_andconvo).
What do you think about the role of officers like Major (later Colonel) Lawan Gwadabe in Nigeria’s military politics? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
