Communication has always played a crucial role in determining the success of political power shifts. In Nigeria, military coups from 1966 to 1993 highlighted the importance of controlling information and rapidly communicating authority. Historical records show that broadcast media, especially radio, was the key instrument used by coup plotters to declare authority and consolidate power.
Telecommunications in Nigeria During the Military Era
From the 1960s through the early 1990s, telephone infrastructure in Nigeria was limited and largely government controlled. The network was concentrated in major cities, with low tele density in both urban and rural areas. Early exchanges were manual or semi-automatic, making telephone lines less effective for rapid mass communication.
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Because of these limitations, radio and broadcast stations became the preferred tool for communication during military takeovers. They allowed coup leaders to reach the population quickly, coordinate with military units, and establish control before opposition could respond.
The Strategic Role of Broadcast Stations
Across Nigerian coups, radio stations were seized and used to announce the overthrow of governments. This was a consistent strategy because radio offered immediate, nationwide reach, whereas telephone lines could not match the speed or coverage necessary to influence both civilians and security forces.
During the first military coup on 15 January 1966, Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu used Radio Kaduna to declare martial law in the Northern Provinces. This broadcast enabled him to communicate authority and intentions even as events in Lagos unfolded separately.
On 29 July 1975, the coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon relied on Radio Nigeria to announce the change in government. Colonel Joseph Nanven Garba delivered the announcement, solidifying control across regions without significant violence.
During Major Gideon Orkar’s attempted coup on 22 April 1990, the plotters seized the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria station in Lagos to issue statements outlining their objectives. Although the coup ultimately failed, the station’s capture was the central communication action during the operation.
When General Sani Abacha took over power in November 1993, he made nationwide radio broadcasts to explain the removal of Ernest Shonekan’s interim government. This further highlights the enduring importance of broadcast media during coups.
Telephone Lines: Reality Versus Myth
Popular accounts often exaggerate the role of telephone networks, suggesting that coup plotters controlled or disabled lines nationwide. Historical records show that telephone infrastructure at the time was limited in coverage, technical capability, and population reach. While isolated disruptions may have occurred, radio remained the dominant medium for communication.
Broadcast stations were consistently the tool that shaped the narrative of authority during Nigerian military takeovers, while telephone networks played a minor and incidental role.
Why Broadcast Media Was Key
The emphasis on radio and broadcast media reflected the communication realities of the time. Radio stations covered broad regions, connecting cities and towns. Broadcast announcements allowed coup leaders to communicate new policies and intentions rapidly. Centralised infrastructure meant few key stations existed, making them easier to capture than the dispersed telephone network. Controlling the airwaves also signalled power to civilians and military units, reinforcing the legitimacy of the takeover.
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Throughout Nigeria’s military coup history, the decisive element in communication was the control and use of broadcast media, particularly radio. Telephone networks were present but limited in reach and impact. Coup plotters relied on radio to declare authority, coordinate forces, and influence public perception. Broadcast stations were the linchpin of communication strategy, not telephone lines.
Author’s Note
Radio and broadcast stations, not telephone lines, were the main instruments of communication during Nigerian coups. They enabled rapid nationwide announcements, established authority, and ensured coordination across military units. Readers should understand that the perception of telephone control is largely a myth. The reality was that broadcast media shaped how power was asserted and maintained during military takeovers, and controlling the airwaves often determined the success of a coup.
References
The Coup D’État‑Radio Broadcast Nexus in Nigeria: A Historical Discourse, 1966‑1993, International Journal of Advanced Research
1975 Nigerian coup d’état
1966 Nigerian coup d’état
