The 1966 Nigerian coup d’état, which took place on January 15, 1966, marked the end of the First Nigerian Republic and set the stage for a series of military coups that would shape the country’s political landscape for years to come. This article provides a detailed and unbiased account of the coup, presenting the perspectives of all parties involved.
Background
In the years leading up to the coup, Nigeria experienced political instability, corruption, and ethnic tensions. The country had gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, but the transition to self-governance was fraught with challenges. The political landscape was dominated by regional and ethnic divisions, with the Northern, Western, and Eastern regions each vying for power and influence. These divisions were exacerbated by the structure of Nigeria’s federal system, which allocated significant autonomy to the regions. Consequently, the federal government often struggled to maintain control and cohesion across the diverse and divided nation.
Political Climate
Nigeria’s political climate in the early 1960s was characterized by intense rivalry among the three main political parties: the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), and the Action Group (AG). The NPC, led by Sir Ahmadu Bello, was the dominant party in the Northern Region and held significant influence in the federal government. The NCNC, led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was the leading party in the Eastern Region, while the AG, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was the main political force in the Western Region.
The 1964 general elections were marred by allegations of widespread electoral fraud, violence, and intimidation. These issues further deepened the political and ethnic divisions within the country. The NPC and NCNC formed a coalition government, sidelining the AG and its supporters. The political tensions reached a boiling point in the Western Region, where a power struggle between factions within the AG led to a series of violent clashes and the imposition of a state of emergency.
The Coup
On January 15, 1966, a group of young army officers, led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, carried out a military coup. The coup plotters attacked key locations in Kaduna, Ibadan, and Lagos, killing several senior politicians and military officers, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Northern Premier Ahmadu Bello, Western Premier Samuel Akintola, and the Minister of Finance, Festus Okotie-Eboh. The coup was initially successful in overthrowing the civilian government, but it ultimately failed to achieve its broader objectives..
The coup plotters faced resistance from loyalist forces within the military, particularly in Lagos, where the commanding officer, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, managed to regain control. Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Igbo officer, was subsequently appointed as the Head of State, becoming Nigeria’s first military ruler.
Motivations of the Coup Plotters
The coup plotters, who were primarily of Igbo ethnicity, claimed that their actions were motivated by a desire to rid Nigeria of corruption, mismanagement, and ethnic favoritism. Major Nzeogwu described the coup as a “necessary service to our country” to cleanse it of “filth and corruption.” The plotters believed that the political leaders were running the country aground with their corrupt practices and that a military intervention was necessary to save Nigeria.
Reactions and Consequences
The coup was met with mixed reactions across Nigeria. In the Northern and Western regions, where many of the victims of the coup were from, there was widespread outrage and suspicion towards the Igbo ethnic group. This led to a series of violent reprisals against Igbo civilians, culminating in the July 1966 counter-coup, which saw the assassination of the then Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, and the installation of Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Gowon as the new Head of State.
In the Eastern region, the coup was initially seen as a positive step towards addressing the country’s problems. However, the subsequent violence and ethnic tensions that followed the coup led to a sense of betrayal and fear among the Igbo population. This ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also known as the Biafran War, in which millions of people, predominantly Igbos, lost their lives.
The Role of the Military
The Nigerian military played a central role in the coup and its aftermath. Many of the young officers involved in the coup were motivated by a sense of duty and patriotism. They believed that the military was the only institution capable of rescuing Nigeria from the brink of collapse. However, the military’s involvement in politics also had long-term consequences for the country. The coup set a precedent for future military interventions in Nigerian politics, leading to a cycle of coups and counter-coups that would persist for decades.
Perspectives of Different Parties
The Coup Plotters: The young officers who carried out the coup believed they were acting in the best interests of Nigeria. They saw themselves as patriots willing to take drastic measures to save the country from corrupt and ineffective leadership.
The Victims and Their Supporters: The families and supporters of the politicians and military officers who were killed in the coup viewed the plotters as murderers and traitors. They believed that the coup was an unjustified and brutal attack on the legitimate government of Nigeria.
The Igbo Population: Many Igbos initially supported the coup, seeing it as a chance to address the corruption and mismanagement that plagued the country. However, the subsequent violence and ethnic tensions led to a sense of fear and betrayal among the Igbo community.
The Northern and Western Regions: The people in these regions were deeply affected by the loss of their leaders and the subsequent violence. They viewed the coup as an ethnically motivated attack on their communities and harbored deep suspicions towards the Igbo ethnic group.
The Nigerian Military: The military’s role in the coup was driven by a sense of duty and a belief in its ability to rescue Nigeria. However, the military’s involvement in politics also had long-term consequences, leading to a cycle of military coups in the country.
The International Community: The international community, particularly former colonial powers and other Western nations, viewed the coup with concern. They were wary of the potential for instability in a region of strategic importance and were particularly concerned about the possibility of ethnic violence and civil war.
Connection to Current Problems in Nigeria
The legacy of the 1966 coup continues to influence Nigeria’s political and social landscape. Many of the issues that plagued Nigeria in the 1960s remain relevant today:
Corruption: Corruption remains a significant problem in Nigeria, with political leaders and public officials often accused of engaging in corrupt practices. The Nigerian corruption problem still continues, with every major institution – the police force, civil service, government, politics – all still plagued with corruption.
Ethnic Tensions: Ethnic divisions and rivalries continue to shape Nigerian politics and society. The country is home to over 250 ethnic groups, and tensions between these groups still plague Nigerian even till this day in 2025.
Economic Challenges: Nigeria faces numerous economic challenges, including high unemployment, inflation, and a reliance on oil exports. Increasing cost of PMS, market products and terrible living conditions for the average Nigerian today. These issues have contributed to widespread poverty and inequality.
Security Concerns: Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, including the ongoing insurgency by Boko Haram in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist movements in the Southeast.
Social Issues: Nigeria faces a range of social issues, including inadequate healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These problems have been exacerbated by rapid population growth and urbanization.
The 1966 Nigerian coup d’état was a complex and multifaceted event with far-reaching consequences for the country. It was driven by a mix of motivations, including a desire to address corruption and mismanagement, as well as ethnic tensions and rivalries. The coup and its aftermath highlighted the deep divisions within Nigerian society and set the stage for further political instability and conflict. Understanding the perspectives of all parties involved is crucial to gaining a comprehensive and unbiased view of this pivotal moment in Nigerian history. The issues that led to the coup in 1966 continue to plague Nigeria today, underscoring the need for lasting solutions to the country’s political, economic, and social challenges.
