From 1966 to 1993: Every Military Coup in Nigeria and Their Leaders

Nigeria’s history has been marked by a series of military coups, with the first occurring in 1966 and the most recent attempted coup plot uncovered in October 2025

These coups have significantly shaped the country’s political landscape, often resulting in authoritarian rule, human rights abuses and economic instability

Nigeria has experienced a tumultuous past, with numerous military coups shaping the country’s history since gaining independence in 1960.

Here is a list of the military coups that have rocked the nation:

Murtala Muhammed

1. The January 1966 Coup: The first military coup in Nigeria was led by mostly Igbo army officers, including Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna.

The coup resulted in the deaths of prominent figures, including Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

2. The July 1966 Coup: Popularly known as the Nigerian Counter-Coup of 1966, this coup saw Major-General Gowon succeed Ironsi. The coup lasted from July 28 to July 30, 1966.

3. The 1975 Coup: Gowon’s Ouster General Yakubu Gowon was ousted in a palace coup on July 30, 1975, which brought then Brigadier Murtala Muhammed to power as Head of State.

4. The 1976 Coup: Muhammed’s Assassination: This bloody and aborted coup, popularly known as the ‘Dimka Coup’, led to the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed. Upon General Muhammed’s death, Lt General Olusegun Obasanjo became Head of State.

5. The 1983 Coup: Buhari’s Rise to Power The Nigerian Military Coup of December 31, 1983, was led by a group of senior army officers who overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari

Major General Muhammadu Buhari was appointed Head of State by the conspirators.

6. The August 1985 Coup: Babangida Takes Over This palace coup was led by then Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew the administration of Major General Muhammadu Buhari.

7. The Alleged Vatsa Coup of December 1985: Executions and Arrests Hundreds of military officers were arrested, tried, convicted, and eventually executed for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the Babangida administration. The conspirators were alleged to have been led by Major General Mamman Jiya Vatsa.

8. The 1990 Coup: Orkar’s Failed Attempt Major Gideon Orkar staged a violent and failed attempt to overthrow the government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

9. The 1993 Coup: Abacha’s Rise to Power Facing pressure to shift towards a democratic government, Babangida resigned and appointed Chief Ernest Shonekan as interim president. However, a palace coup led by General Sani Abacha overthrew the interim government.

The legacy of military rule in Nigeria continues to impact the nation, with the economy and infrastructure still recovering from the effects of decades of authoritarianism.

As a result of the military economic policy of the 1980s, 45% of foreign-exchange earnings went into debt servicing, and there was little growth, leading to widespread poverty and instability.