Nigeria’s First Republic struggled with political instability, regional rivalries and a series of contentious elections in the early 1960s. Violence in the Western Region, allegations of corruption, and a sense among some military officers that civilian politicians were failing the nation set the stage for military intervention. These tensions formed the backdrop against which the January 1966 coup was conceived.
Historical studies show that the coup began as discussions among dissatisfied officers seeking to address what they called systemic corruption and administrative breakdown. The goal was to replace civilian rule with a more disciplined regime. Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture (1966–1976) by Max Siollun provides a comprehensive examination of these dynamics.
How the Plot Was Planned
Key Officers Involved
A core group of mainly junior officers from different regions organised the coup. Among them were:
- Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu
- Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna
- Major Adewale Ademoyega
- Major Donatus Okafor
- Major Chris Anuforo
- Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu
- Captains Ben Gbulie and Emma Nwobosi
First‑hand accounts such as Nigeria’s Five Majors by Captain Ben Gbulie and Why We Struck by Wale Ademoyega provide insider perspectives on the officers’ motivations, planning and execution of the coup.
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Months of Preparation
Planning did not begin overnight. The plotters met quietly within army circles from late 1965, recruiting a limited number of trusted officers and aligning assignments for key regions. They aimed to conduct simultaneous strikes in Lagos and the regional capitals Kaduna (Northern Region), Ibadan (Western Region), Enugu (Eastern Region) and Benin (Mid‑West) to neutralise political and military leaders and seize power.
Oil, Politics and Violence give detailed background on the political and military environment that shaped the conspirators’ thinking and preparation.
Lagos on the Eve of the Coup
An Ordinary Night Before Major Upheaval
On 14 January 1966, Lagos appeared calm and normal. Civilians went about their social and professional lives, unaware of the impending military action. There were no public alerts or military traffic that would signal a looming crisis. This normality was deliberate. The conspirators limited knowledge of the plan to a trusted few, avoiding leaks that could compromise their strategy. The element of surprise was essential.
Contemporary reports and later diplomatic communications confirm that the civilian political leadership received no warning before the coup began in the early hours of the following morning.
Execution: Early Morning on 15 January 1966
Coordinated Simultaneous Action
In the early hours of 15 January 1966, the plotters moved to seize strategic locations:
- Kaduna: Major Nzeogwu led units to attack the residence of the Northern Premier, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and other key targets.
- Lagos: Forces under Major Ifeajuna focused on arresting Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and securing communication and government centres.
- Ibadan: Premier Ladoke Akintola was assassinated by rebel troops.
Other senior political and military figures killed included Finance Minister Festus Okotie‑Eboh, Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari and Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun. These coordinated attacks across regions reflected the conspirators’ extensive planning and assignments. Oil, Politics and Violence provides synthesis on how these operations unfolded.
Ironsi Assumes Control
Despite initial tactical success, the coup did not fully achieve its objectives. The most senior military officer, Major General Johnson Aguiyi‑Ironsi, rallied troops loyal to him, moved to restore order and by 16 January had assumed leadership of the country’s new military government. Ironsi’s government abolished political offices, suspended the constitution and established the Supreme Military Council to govern Nigeria.
Aftermath and Legacy
The January coup’s immediate aftermath saw increased tensions and uncertainty. Six months later, a counter‑coup in July 1966 led by other military officers resulted in the assassination of Aguiyi‑Ironsi and the rise of Yakubu Gowon. The coups intensified ethnic distrust and contributed to the onset of the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. These events reshaped Nigeria’s political trajectory and entrenched military involvement in governance.
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Author’s Note
On 15 January 1966, Nigeria witnessed its first military coup, an event that abruptly ended the country’s First Republic and ushered in an era of military influence in national politics. This article traces how a small group of army officers planned and executed the revolt, what the national capital was like on the eve of the coup and why secrecy was crucial to its success. Drawing on detailed historical research and first‑hand accounts, this narrative explains one of Nigeria’s most consequential moments without speculation, offering readers an in‑depth understanding of the coup’s causes, strategies and immediate outcome.
References
Siollun, Max. Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture (1966–1976). Algora Publishing.
Gbulie, Captain Ben. Nigeria’s Five Majors: Coup d’état of 15th January 1966.
Ademoyega, Wale. Why We Struck: The Story of the First Nigerian Coup (Ibadan: Evans Bros).
Special Branch Report: “Military Rebellion of 15th January 1966.”
Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XXIV, Africa, U.S. Government Documents.
