Main content

Nigeria's First Coup

On 15 January 1966 a small group of Nigerian army officers launched a bloody coup against the civilian government.

On 15 January 1966 a small group of Nigerian army officers launched a bloody coup against the civilian government. It marked the start of the military's involvement in Nigerian politics which would last for decades and set Nigeria on a path to civil war. We hear from one of the soldiers who took part, Colonel Ben Gbulie.

(Photo: Nigerian troops on the streets of Lagos, 16 January 1966. Credit: AP)

Available now

9 minutes

Last on

Wed 15 Jan 2014 08:50GMT

Broadcast

  • Wed 15 Jan 2014 08:50GMT

Featured in...

Podcast