The 1993 Nigerian coup d'état was a bloodless military coup which took place in Nigeria on 17 November 1993[1] when the Armed Forces, headed by Defence Minister General Sani Abacha, forced Interim President Chief Ernest Shonekan to resign.

[3][4] In a nationwide broadcast following the coup, Abacha cited the stagnant nature of Shonekan's government, and his inability to manage the democratic process in the country as a cause of his resignation.

In September 1994, Abacha issued a decree that placed his government above the jurisdiction of the courts, effectively giving him absolute power.

[5] Abacha stayed in power until his death on 8 June 1998 at the presidential complex (Aso Villa) in Abuja.

[6][7] He was succeeded by the Chief of the Defence Staff Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar as head of state.