Major Donatus Okafor, commander of the Federal Guards Brigade, was a central figure during Nigeria’s first military intervention in politics. The January 15, 1966 coup reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape and marked the beginning of prolonged military influence in governance. Okafor’s leadership of the Federal Guards placed him at the centre of these historic events.
The Federal Guards Brigade: Strategic Importance
The Federal Guards Brigade was an elite unit of the Nigerian Army stationed in Lagos, tasked with providing internal security, supporting federal institutions, and performing ceremonial duties. The unit’s strategic positioning made it critical during periods of political instability.
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Okafor’s Military Background
Born in Kaduna, Donatus Okafor joined the Nigerian Army as a non-commissioned officer. He received officer training at Mons Officer Cadet School in the United Kingdom in 1959 and was commissioned into the army. Fluent in Hausa, he had a unique position within the army, bridging regional and federal perspectives. By early 1966, he had risen to command the Federal Guards Brigade, placing him at the heart of Nigeria’s most significant early military intervention.
Role in the January 1966 Coup
The January coup, executed by a group of young officers, sought to end corruption and perceived regional imbalances in Nigeria’s First Republic. Major Okafor’s role involved coordinating the Federal Guards during operations in Lagos, providing support to neutralise senior military officers targeted by the coup. The unit’s knowledge of federal installations and security routines was a key factor in the plot’s execution.
While the coup resulted in the deaths of several political and military leaders, including Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, Okafor’s involvement was operational rather than direct execution of any individual. The coup failed to achieve complete control, leading to the arrest of participants, including Okafor.
Detention and Death During the July 1966 Counter-Coup
Following the failed coup, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed power. Okafor was detained at Abeokuta Prison, where he remained until the July 1966 counter-coup, led predominantly by Northern officers. During this violent upheaval, Okafor was killed while in custody. His death reflects the ethnic and political tensions that defined Nigeria’s early post-independence military politics.
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Legacy of Major Okafor and the Federal Guards
Major Okafor’s role in the 1966 coup highlights the influence of mid-ranking army officers in shaping Nigeria’s political trajectory. The Federal Guards Brigade, under his command, demonstrated strategic importance that would later solidify its reputation. The unit evolved into the Brigade of Guards, the prestigious formation responsible for protecting Nigeria’s head of state and key federal institutions.
Author’s Note
Major Donatus Okafor’s story shows how individual leadership and strategic positioning can influence the course of a nation. As commander of the Federal Guards Brigade, he was central to the January 1966 coup and subsequent events in Lagos. His detention and death during the July counter-coup highlight the political and ethnic tensions of the era. The Federal Guards, through Okafor’s leadership, played a decisive role in Nigeria’s early military history and laid the groundwork for the modern Brigade of Guards.
References
- Preventing Coups in Nigeria – Federal Guards and Okafor (Gamji History)
