Military rule in Nigeria 1966 – 1975 - SS3 Government Lesson Note

Military rule in Nigeria from 1966 to 1975 was a period of political instability and authoritarianism, marked by a series of military coups and countercoups. The first military coup occurred in January 1966, when a group of young army officers overthrew the civilian government of Nigeria. The coup was led by Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu and was characterized by a lack of clear leadership and a failure to establish a stable government.

Following the first coup, the military established a military government, known as the Supreme Military Council (SMC), which was led by General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. However, his government was short-lived as he was overthrown in a countercoup in July 1966, led by Northern military officers.

The countercoup marked the beginning of a period of ethnic tensions in Nigeria, with the Northern military officers dominating the government and marginalizing the South. In 1967, the Eastern Region of Nigeria seceded to form the independent state of Biafra, leading to a civil war that lasted until 1970. The military government under General Yakubu Gowon was able to reunite the country and end the civil war, but the period was marked by human rights abuses and economic decline.

In 1975, General Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup led by General Murtala Mohammed, who promised to restore civilian rule and end corruption. However, his government was also short-lived as he was assassinated in a failed coup attempt in 1976.