Military Rule in Nigeria

Review questions and answers covering the historical timeline, leaders, coups, and transitions of military rule in Nigeria.

When did Nigeria witness its first military coup, and who led it?

In the early hours of January 15, 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu and other majors in the army.

Which political leaders were killed during the January 15, 1966 coup?

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (Prime Minister), S.L. Akintola (Premier of Western region), Chief Okotie Eboh (Minister of finance), Sir Ahmadu Bello (Premier of Northern region), and many other top ranking officers in the armed forces.

Who took over leadership following the January 15, 1966 coup?

Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi.

What happened during the counter coup on July 29, 1966?

Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi was toppled and killed, and Lt. Colonel Yakubu Gowon took over the political leadership of the country.

How long did General Yakubu Gowon spend in office, and who removed him?

General Yakubu Gowon spent nine years in office and was removed by Brigadier Murtala Mohammed.

How many days did Murtala Mohammed spend in office, and how did his rule end?

He spent $200$ days in office before being assassinated in an abortive coup led by Lt. Colonel Buka Suka Dimka on February 13, 1976.

Who became the Head of State after Murtala Mohammed was assassinated?

General Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the next in command to Murtala Mohammed.

What transition did General Olusegun Obasanjo oversee?

The military kept to its promise of handing over power to a democratically elected civilian government (1979-83 Second Republic).

Who overthrew the democratically elected civilian government in 1983?

Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, through a military coup as the civilian government was going for its second term in office.

When was Buhari removed from office, and by whom?

Buhari was removed on August 27, 1985, by Major-General Ibrahim Babangida through what was described as a 'Palace Coup'.

What title change did Major-General Ibrahim Babangida make upon taking power?

He made himself the president of Nigeria, abandoning the title of the Head of State.

Which coup attempt against Ibrahim Babangida took place in December 1985?

The Mamman Vasta coup attempt.

Who led the unsuccessful coup attempt against Babangida on April 22, 1990?

Major Gideon Orkar.

Whom did Babangida set up as Head of State in the interim government before stepping aside in 1993?

Chief Emest Sonekan.

Who sacked the interim government in November 1993?

Lt. General Abacha, who became the new military Head of State of Nigeria.

When did Abacha die, and who succeeded him?

Abacha died on June 8, 1998, and was succeeded by General Abdulsalami Abubakar.