The 4th Battalion of the Nigerian Army traces its roots to the colonial 4th Queen’s Own Nigeria Regiment. By 1960, it was stationed in Ibadan, the capital of the Western Region. On 1 June 1963, the battalion celebrated its centenary and was presented with the Freedom of the City of Ibadan, recognising its long service and ties to the city. Following Nigeria’s establishment as a republic, it was redesignated 4 Battalion. The unit served in multiple infantry capacities over the years, reflecting its significance in the national military.
The January 1966 Coup and Its Impact
On 15 January 1966, junior Nigerian Army officers carried out the country’s first military coup. This event resulted in the assassination of senior officers and political leaders. Among those killed were Lieutenant Colonel Abogo Largema and Colonel Kur Mohammed, both associated with the 4th Battalion’s leadership. The deaths of these officers profoundly affected soldiers who had served under them.
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Operation Wetie and the Political Climate
In the early 1960s, the Western Region experienced intense political conflict, known as Operation Wetie, which involved violent clashes and public disorder. The 4th Battalion was stationed in Ibadan during this period. The political crisis set a tense backdrop, contributing to rising instability in the region.
Tensions Within the Army After January 1966
The January coup increased ethnic and regional mistrust among Nigerian Army officers. Northern officers were aggrieved by the deaths of colleagues and the subsequent changes in military command. These tensions influenced sentiments within various units, including the 4th Battalion.
Planning the Counter‑Coup
In the months following the January coup, northern officers conspired to overthrow Major-General Johnson Aguiyi‑Ironsi. Officers stationed in Ibadan, among others, coordinated to execute the July 1966 counter‑coup, preparing operational plans and securing key positions in multiple garrisons.
July 1966 Counter‑Coup: Events in Ibadan
From 28 to 29 July 1966, the counter‑coup was carried out. Officers associated with the 4th Battalion participated, securing military sites and isolating loyalist forces. In Ibadan, they surrounded the Government House, where General Aguiyi‑Ironsi and Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi were staying. Both were seized and killed, marking a turning point in Nigeria’s history.
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Aftermath and Continuing Legacy
By the end of 29 July, the counter‑coup had overthrown the Ironsi government. Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon assumed leadership of the federal government. The involvement of 4th Battalion officers in the coup influenced the unit’s reputation and underscored the Army’s role in national politics. These events contributed to rising tensions that later culminated in the Nigerian Civil War.
Author’s Note
The Nigerian Army’s 4th Battalion, stationed in Ibadan, played a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s military and political history in 1966. This article recounts the battalion’s origins, the loss of its commanding officers in the January coup, and the actions of its officers in the July counter‑coup. The events illustrate how a few officers influenced national outcomes, how military and political histories intertwined, and how these actions set the stage for the future of Nigeria’s governance and military engagement.
References
- Abayomi Akinyeye – From Colonial Occupation to a National Force, history of the 4th Battalion, its deployment in Ibadan, and leadership changes.
- Operation Wetie, overview of political violence in Western Nigeria prior to the coups.
- 1966 Nigerian Counter‑Coup, records detailing participants and operations.t?
