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19661974198219911999
Michael CarricoMichael Carrico
Updated:Apr 23, 2026
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Nigeria: Military Coups and Rule (1966–1999)

Nigeria: Military Coups and Rule (1966–1999)

  1. First military coup topples First Republic

    Labels: First Republic, Coup Plotters

  2. Aguiyi-Ironsi assumes power as military head

    Labels: Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, National Military

  3. July counter-coup begins against Ironsi regime

    Labels: July Counter-Coup, Northern Officers

  4. Gowon announces he has assumed control

    Labels: Yakubu Gowon, Federal Government

  5. Bloodless coup ousts Gowon; Mohammed installed

    Labels: Murtala Mohammed, 1975 Coup

  6. Dimka coup attempt kills Murtala Mohammed

    Labels: Murtala Mohammed, Bukar Suka

  7. Obasanjo hands power to civilian President Shagari

    Labels: Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Shagari

  8. Military coup overthrows Shagari; Buhari takes power

    Labels: Muhammadu Buhari, 1983 Coup

  9. Babangida ousts Buhari in palace coup

    Labels: Ibrahim Babangida, Palace Coup

  10. Vatsa-linked coup plot leads to executions

    Labels: Babangida Regime, Vatsa Plot

  11. Orkar-led coup attempt fails in Lagos

    Labels: Gideon Orkar, 1990 Coup

  12. Orkar and 41 others executed for treason

    Labels: Gideon Orkar, Treason Executions

  14. Shonekan takes office heading Interim National Government

    Labels: Ernest Shonekan, Interim National

  15. Abacha seizes power and ends interim government

    Labels: Sani Abacha, 1993 Coup

  16. Abacha dies; Abdulsalami Abubakar becomes head of state

    Labels: Sani Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar

  17. Military hands power to elected civilian government

    Labels: Abdulsalami Abubakar, Olusegun Obasanjo