Military History

Explore Nigeria’s military history on OldNaija.com. Discover tales of valor, the Nigerian armed forces’ evolution, and their pivotal role in shaping Nigeria. An essential resource for military enthusiasts and those interested in Nigeria’s military heritage.

Narrating the Biafran War Through Chilling Photos

“War is what happens when language fails.” – Margaret Atwood Some wars are remembered through speeches, newspaper headlines and official…
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The 1975 Coup in Nigeria: How Yakubu Gowon was Removed Through a Blodless Coup

General Yakubu Gowon The radio announcement came quietly. No gunfire in the streets. No tanks rolling through Lagos in dramatic…
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July 1966 Counter-Coup: Real Account of How it Went Down

Major General Johnson Aguiyi -Ironsi A radio crackled in the dark. Soldiers whispered in barracks across Northern Nigeria. Some men…
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How General Murtala Muhammed was Assassinated in Lagos on February 13, 1976

The nation was thrown into turmoil on the 13th of February, 1976 after the Head of State and Chief Commander…
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How Aguiyi-Ironsi And Fajuyi were Assassinated In Ibadan in 1966

Aguiyi-Ironsi (L) and Adekunle Fajuyi (R) Since gaining independence in 1960, we have seen the rise and fall of several…
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The Nigerian Civil War: Why and How It Happened (1967-1970)

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War or the Nigerian-Biafran War, broke out between the Federal Republic…
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Major Kaduna Nzeogwu’s Speech Announcing the First Coup in Nigeria – January 15, 1966

Major Kaduna Nzeogwu Below is the full text of that historic speech by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, announcing the first…
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First Military Coup in Nigeria: How and Why it was Staged on January 15, 1966

Major Kaduna Nzeogwu Sleep disappeared from Lagos on the night of January 14, 1966. Politicians relaxed in government lodges. Senior…
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Operation Unicord: The Battle and Capture of Nsukka in July 1967

On May 30, 1967, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu made the official declaration of secession for the Eastern Region from Nigeria, proclaiming the…
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Slogans, Nicknames and Operational Names Associated with the Nigerian Civil War

It is common for every war/conflict to have its peculiar nickname and unique vocabulary used during its course. For example,…
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Abagana Ambush: How Biafran Army Killed Over 500 Nigerian Troops in One Attack

The Abagana Ambush of March 31st 1968 is one out of the many confrontations between Nigerian and Biafran troops during…
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How Nzeogwu Killed Ahmadu Bello and His Wife, Hafusatu, During the 1966 Coup

When the soldiers were about to shoot Ahmadu Bello, two of the wives stood up, leaving the first wife who…
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How Dimka’s Lust for Woman Led to His Arrest After the Failed 1976 Coup

When Lt. Colonel Dimka realised that the coup was unsuccessful, he fled to Afikpo in the then Anambra State and…
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Asaba Massacre: How Hundreds of Asaba People Were Killed In 1967

In August 1967, two months before the Asaba massacre, a division of the seceded Eastern Region (Biafra) army led by…
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The Real History of the Nigerian Army

Hausa Troops | Lagos | the pre cursor to the Nigerian Army, formed circa 1865 by Sir Jihn Hawley Glover,…
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