In the early hours of April 22, 1990, Nigeria was jolted awake by gunfire, uncertainty, and a radio announcement that questioned the very structure of the nation. What unfolded was not just another military rebellion, but a dramatic and unsettling moment that revealed deep fractures within the armed forces and left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s political history.
Led by Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar and a group of mostly junior and middle-ranking officers, the coup attempt against the military government of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was brief, violent, and ultimately unsuccessful. Yet its meaning extended far beyond the few hours in which it played out.
Nigeria Under Military Rule in 1990
By 1990, Nigeria had spent much of its post-independence life under military governments. General Babangida, who assumed power in 1985, projected his administration as reform-minded and forward-looking. His government spoke of economic restructuring, political renewal, and a planned return to civilian rule.
EXPLORE NOW: Military Era & Coups in Nigeria
For many Nigerians, daily life told a different story. Economic reforms had driven up the cost of living, weakened purchasing power, and deepened social hardship. Promised political transitions were repeatedly adjusted, feeding public uncertainty.
Inside the military, dissatisfaction simmered. While senior officers accumulated influence, many younger officers felt excluded from power and decision-making. These tensions formed the background to the events of April 1990.
The Plot and Its Leaders
Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar emerged as the central figure of the uprising. Alongside officers such as Major Saliba Mukoro, Captain Augustino Togonu Bickersteth, and Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Nyiam, the plotters accused the Babangida government of corruption, misrule, and failure to reflect national balance.
What distinguished the coup was its message. After gaining access to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in Lagos, the plotters announced the removal of the government. More controversially, they proposed the exclusion of five northern states from the federation.
This declaration set the uprising apart from earlier coups. Rather than presenting itself as a corrective takeover, it openly questioned the existing structure of the Nigerian state.
The Night of the Coup
The operation began before dawn, with rebel soldiers attacking key military and communication installations in Lagos. Gunfire and explosions echoed through parts of the city, sending residents indoors as uncertainty spread.
For several hours, the radio announcement created confusion about who was in control. However, the coup quickly encountered serious obstacles. The plotters failed to capture General Babangida, and important military units remained outside their control.
As loyalist forces regrouped, they regained control of strategic locations. By later in the day, the uprising had collapsed. The fighting remained limited in scope and did not spread widely across the country.
Arrests and Military Justice
In the aftermath, the military government moved decisively. Suspected participants were arrested, and a special military tribunal was convened to handle the cases.
Major Orkar and several of his collaborators were sentenced to death and executed by firing squad in July 1990. Others received long prison terms. The response underscored the government’s determination to discourage further challenges from within the armed forces.
Impact on the Military and the State
The failed coup reshaped the internal atmosphere of the Nigerian military. Surveillance intensified, loyalty checks increased, and command discipline was reinforced. The belief that coups could serve as instruments of reform began to fade.
For civilians, the episode altered perceptions of military rule. The proposal to redraw Nigeria’s internal boundaries shocked the public and highlighted unresolved tensions within the federation. Confidence in long-term military governance weakened further.
Although Babangida remained in power, the government became more guarded in its handling of dissent. April 1990 became a reference point in debates about power, unity, and national stability.
EXPLORE: Nigerian Civil War
Why April 22 Still Matters
The coup attempt failed, but its legacy endured. It demonstrated how internal grievances, when combined with ideology, could push institutions toward dangerous paths. It also showed how questions of unity and inclusion remained central to Nigeria’s political experience.
Less than a decade later, military rule would give way to civilian government. The memory of April 22 remains a reminder of the risks that accompany prolonged rule by force.
Author’s Note
The April 22, 1990 coup attempt stands as a defining moment in Nigeria’s military era. It exposed economic frustration, institutional imbalance, and unresolved debates about national identity. Its lasting significance lies not in how power shifted, but in how close ideology came to redefining the nation itself.
References
Siollun, Max. Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture
Babangida, Ibrahim Badamasi. A Journey in Service
Falola, Toyin, and Matthew Heaton. A History of Nigeria
.
