Remembering Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and Nigeria’s First Coup

Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu remains one of the most debated figures in Nigeria’s political history. Born in Kaduna to Igbo parents from present-day Delta State, he became widely known by his Hausa nickname, Dan Kaduna. Nzeogwu was a central figure in the military coup of 15 January 1966, which ended the First Republic and reshaped Nigeria’s political future. The coup followed years of political violence, disputed elections, corruption allegations and deep regional tensions. He died at Obollo-Afor in July 1967, shortly after the Nigerian Civil War began. This reflection examines his background, his role in the 1966 coup and the enduring debate over whether he should be remembered as a patriot, a villain or a tragic figure of his era.

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