The military coup of 15 January 1966 is one of the most consequential events in Nigeria’s history. It brought an abrupt end to the First Republic, led to profound political upheavals, and set the stage for years of military rule. In popular memory, this coup is often attributed to a group known as the “Five Majors.” This phrase has become commonplace in public discourse, textbooks, and media narratives. Yet the phrase itself was not used by the coup plotters, and the idea of exactly five majors as a defined group is a later construction, not an accurate historical designation.
This article tells the story as it can be reconstructed from verified historical documents, military records, eyewitness accounts, and scholarly analysis. It explains who the coup participants were, what actually happened, how the misnomer “Five Majors” arose, and why understanding the real sequence of events matters for Nigerian history.
Setting the Scene: Nigeria in the Early 1960s
In the early 1960s Nigeria was a newly independent nation grappling with ethnic divisions, regional political rivalries, and widespread allegations of corruption. The First Republic, established after independence from Britain in 1960, was marked by intense competition among dominant regional parties and growing dissatisfaction among many Nigerians. Critics cited cronyism, electoral malpractice, and an inability to resolve economic and security challenges.
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Against this backdrop, elements within the Nigerian Army began expressing concern about the direction of the nation. Many junior officers were influenced by nationalist sentiment and frustrated by what they saw as political leaders’ failure to govern effectively. These sentiments set the stage for one of the most dramatic interruptions in Nigeria’s democratic experiment.
The Coup of 15 January 1966: What Really Happened
On the night of 15 January 1966, a faction of military officers launched a coup intended to seize control of the federal and regional governments. In Kaduna, Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu emerged as the most visible leader. But the operation was not the work of only five majors acting as a coordinated, singular clique.
Historical records show that multiple majors, captains, and lieutenants were involved in planning and executing the coup. Some were present on the night, others were slated to participate but did not for various reasons. The overall group included:
- Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu
- Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna
- Major Chris Anuforo
- Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu
- Major Adewale Ademoyega
- Major Donatus Okafor
- Major Humphrey Chukwuka
In addition, junior officers such as captains and lieutenants participated in coup operations in different regions. What Nzeogwu reportedly meant by saying “we were five in number” was a reference to five operational commands assigned for that night’s activities, not a literal count of all conspirators or a formalised leadership group.
The coup’s execution was uneven. While violent action took place in Kaduna, Lagos, and Ibadan, other regions saw attempts at mobilisation that either failed or did not happen at all. Senate President Nwafor Orizu later facilitated Major‑General Johnson Aguiyi‑Ironsi’s assumption of control to restore order. The swift consolidation of power by Ironsi effectively ended the First Republic, making him Head of State shortly after the coup.
The Origin of the “Five Majors” Label
The phrase “Five Majors” did not originate from military communiqués or the coup plotters’ planning documents. It emerged in later secondary accounts and popular retellings as a simplified label. Later writers focused on Nzeogwu’s remark about being “five in number,” and over time this became reinterpreted as a definitive group of five majors responsible for the coup.
The label gained currency and came to represent, erroneously, the idea of a compact group of five masterminds. Historical records, however, show a broader circle of participants and a fluid command structure.
Why the Myth Matters
Understanding the true nature of the January 1966 coup is essential. The way events are remembered can influence national identity, collective attitudes towards the military, and broader interpretations of Nigerian political culture.
The myth of the “Five Majors” obscures:
- The complexity of the coup’s planning and execution
- The roles of junior officers and regional dynamics
- The differences in participation across Nigerian regions
Presenting an inaccurate picture simplifies the motivations and decisions of the individuals involved, and risks distorting lessons that might otherwise be drawn about civil‑military relations, democratic fragility, and national reconciliation.
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What the Historical Record Actually Shows
The verified historical record indicates that:
- The January 1966 coup was carried out by a group of officers ranging in rank beyond just five majors.
- The operation had regional variations, with violence concentrated in key cities but not nationwide.
- The phrase “Five Majors” is a later narrative device not used contemporaneously by plotters.
- Primary accounts and official records point to more than five officers actively involved or intended to be involved in the planning and execution.
- The coup represented a loosely coordinated effort rather than a unified, formalised cabal.
The story of Nigeria’s first military coup is too important to be clouded by myths that persist simply because they are easy to repeat. A careful examination of the historical record shows a more nuanced, broader cast of participants and a more complex set of events than the phrase “Five Majors” suggests.
Author’s Note
The January 1966 Nigerian coup is often remembered through the lens of the “Five Majors” narrative, but this article shows that the label is a later simplification. The true story involves a wider group of officers, regional variations in execution, and complex motivations. Understanding the facts allows readers to appreciate the historical significance of the event and the ways narratives can evolve over time. The takeaway is that history must be examined critically, and myths corrected, to see the full picture of pivotal moments in Nigeria’s past.
References
Max Siollun – detailed analysis of Nigeria’s 1966 coup and key players
Eyewitness and military records from January 1966 archives
Scholarly reviews of Nigerian military interventions in the 1960s
