Nigeria’s political history has been punctuated by military coups, beginning in 1966 and continuing through the late 20th century. While some coups successfully changed leadership, others failed or were suppressed. Contrary to popular narratives, historical records do not suggest that “delays, miscommunication, or confusion” were decisive in saving governments. Instead, loyalist action, limited support for plotters, and institutional safeguards were the main factors. This article focuses on verified events and explains why some Nigerian governments survived attempts at overthrow.
The First Coup: January 1966
On 15 January 1966, Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and other officers staged a coup against the civilian government of the First Republic. Several top political leaders, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and regional premiers, were assassinated. Major General Johnson Aguiyi‑Ironsi, not part of the coup plot, assumed power and consolidated the army to restore control. While the coup overthrew the government, its limited reach and lack of coordination across the country prevented the plotters from fully controlling Nigeria. Loyalist officers in key areas helped stabilise the situation.
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Counter-Coup of July 1966
Only months later, on 28 July 1966, northern officers led a counter-coup, assassinating General Aguiyi‑Ironsi and installing Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon as Head of State. The counter-coup demonstrated the importance of broad military support for any successful power seizure. Regions where loyalist forces resisted helped prevent the coup from becoming uncontested nationwide. This event highlighted that coups cannot succeed without coordinated action and majority backing within the armed forces, and it contributed directly to the conditions that sparked the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
The 1975 Bloodless Coup
On 29 July 1975, dissatisfaction within the military over delays in returning the country to civilian rule led to another intervention. While General Gowon was attending an international summit, a group of junior officers orchestrated a bloodless overthrow of his government. Brigadier Murtala Mohammed became Head of State, with Brigadier Olusegun Obasanjo as his deputy. The largely non-violent nature of this coup reflected a calculated and disciplined move by the conspirators, and it temporarily stabilised the country while ushering in new leadership.
The 1976 Coup Attempt
The stability under Murtala Mohammed was short-lived. On 13 February 1976, Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka led a coup attempt that resulted in the assassination of Mohammed in Lagos. Loyalist forces quickly regained control, and Dimka was captured near Abakaliki. Following military trials, he and several co-conspirators were executed. Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo then succeeded Mohammed as Head of State. This event illustrates that even violent actions are insufficient for success without broad support and control over key military and administrative structures.
1983 and 1985 Coups
The civilian government of President Shehu Shagari was overthrown in December 1983, bringing Major General Muhammadu Buhari to power. Two years later, in August 1985, Ibrahim Babangida staged a coup against Buhari and assumed authority. These coups succeeded due to clear coordination, widespread military support, and control over critical command centres. Failed or partial coups demonstrated that without such backing, governments could survive even violent attempts.
1993 Coup and Return to Civilian Rule
Political instability surrounding the annulled June 1993 elections led to another military intervention. On 17 November 1993, General Sani Abacha forced the resignation of Interim President Ernest Shonekan and assumed power. Abacha’s rule lasted until his death in 1998, after which General Abdulsalami Abubakar oversaw the transition to civilian governance in 1999. Since then, Nigeria has maintained uninterrupted civilian rule, highlighting the effectiveness of institutional reforms and professionalised military forces in preventing further successful coups.
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Why Some Governments Survived
Records show that governments survived coup attempts primarily because loyalist officers acted quickly to restore order, key military units did not support the conspirators, and institutions-maintained control over critical installations. Over time, increasing professionalism and discipline within the armed forces further reduced the likelihood of successful coups. While delays or miscommunication among plotters may have occurred incidentally, these factors were not decisive according to verified sources.
Author’s Note
Nigeria’s experience with military coups between 1966 and 1993 demonstrates the central role of loyalist action, institutional strength, and disciplined command structures in preserving governments. While some coups succeeded in altering leadership, others failed due to lack of support and rapid response by loyalist forces. The return to civilian rule in 1999 showed that professionalised institutions and adherence to constitutional order can safeguard governance, even in a country with a history of frequent military interventions. This history underscores the importance of unity, planning, and institutional resilience in protecting democratic systems.
References
Edugist.org, 10 Military Coups That Shaped Nigeria’s History
HistoricalNigeria.com, Nigeria’s Defining Military Coups: How Power Seizures Reshaped the Nation
AP News, Nigerian military officers to be tried over alleged 2025 coup plot
