On 15 January 1966, Nigeria experienced its first military coup, abruptly ending the First Republic and ushering in prolonged military rule. Among the principal officers involved was Major Christian Igbomba Anuforo, a Sandhurst-trained Nigerian Army officer. His actions that night remain part of Nigeria’s complex political history.
Early Life and Military Background
Christian Igbomba Anuforo was born in 1938. He was educated at Saint John’s College in Kaduna and later attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, from where he was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1961. By 1966 he held the rank of Major and was serving as a staff officer at Army Headquarters in Lagos.
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The January 1966 Coup
The coup was plotted by a group of young army officers dissatisfied with the civilian government’s leadership, which they viewed as corrupt and ineffective. The core conspirators included Major Chukwuemeka Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Major Adewale Ademoyega, Major Donatus Okafor, Major Humphrey Chukwuka, and others, including Anuforo.
In the early hours of 15 January, coordinated operations were launched in Lagos, Kaduna, and other key locations. The objective was to incapacitate the political and military leadership of the country.
Anuforo’s Actions in Lagos
Major Anuforo played a direct role in several killings during the coup in Lagos:
- He was involved in the execution of Colonel Kur Mohammed, who had been acting Chief of Staff at Army Headquarters.
- He participated in the killing of Lieutenant‑Colonel James Pam, the Army Adjutant‑General.
- He was part of the group that shot Lieutenant‑Colonel Arthur Chinyelu Unegbe, the Quartermaster‑General of the Nigerian Army.
- He was connected to the killing of Chief Festus Okotie‑Eboh, the Federal Minister of Finance.
These actions formed part of the broader effort by the plotters to remove senior figures who could resist their takeover.
Consequences of the Coup
Although the conspirators successfully killed several senior political and military figures, the coup did not seize complete control of the state. Forces loyal to the regular command structure regained ground, and Major General Johnson Aguiyi‑Ironsi, who was not part of the conspiracy, emerged as the senior officer able to assert authority and became Head of State.
The coup’s aftermath was marked by confusion and controversy regarding its consequences for Nigeria’s fragile ethnic and regional balance. While some observers later labelled it an “Igbo coup,” officers of various ethnic backgrounds took part and several Igbo officers were themselves killed.
Death of Chris Anuforo
In July 1966, a counter-coup led largely by northern officers sought to avenge the January plot and assert their authority. Following this, several conspirators of the January uprising were detained. In August 1966, soldiers from the 4th Battalion broke into Benin prison where Anuforo and others were held. Major Anuforo was tortured and killed during this prison break. Other detained officers, including Major Donatus Okofor, were also killed.
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Historical Impact
The January 1966 coup and its violent execution had profound implications for Nigeria’s history. It marked the end of the First Republic, deepened mistrust among regions and ethnic groups, and contributed to the cycle of violence that culminated in the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War. The immediate outcome was a rupture in Nigeria’s post-independence political development.
Author’s Note
Major Christian Igbomba Anuforo was a central figure in the January 1966 coup. He participated in targeted killings of senior officials and officers and was later killed in prison during retaliatory violence. His story reflects the dramatic shift from civilian governance to military rule in Nigeria and highlights the violent and complex events that shaped the nation’s political trajectory.
References
The Northern Counter‑coup of 1966: The Full Story, Dawodu
