General Sani Abacha: Nigeria’s Military Head of State (1993–1998) – Biography, Legacy and Controversies General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) was a Nigerian military ruler and statesman who led Nigeria with an authoritarian grip from 1993 until he died in 1998, following a bloodless palace coup. His regime is remembered…
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida: Nigeria’s Military Leader and Head of State (1985–1993) General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR GCB (born 17 August 1941) is a Nigerian statesman and former military dictator who ruled as military president of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. He seized power through a coup d’état that overthrew Muhammadu Buhari and presided over…
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed: Nigeria’s Boldest Head of State (1975–1976) General Murtala Ramat Muhammed GCFR (8 November 1938 – 13 February 1976) was a Nigerian military officer and the fourth Head of State of Nigeria. He played a key role in the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup on July 29, 1966, which overthrew the military regime of…
General Yakubu Gowon: Nigeria’s Youngest Head of State and Civil War Leader (1966–1975) General Yakubu Gowon (born October 19, 1934) was a Nigerian military officer and statesman who served as Head of State from 1966 to 1975. He rose to power after a military coup in 1966, making him the youngest military leader in Nigerian…