How did Yakubu Gowon become Nigeria’s military leader?

Yakubu Gowon became Nigeria’s military leader following a period of intense political instability and military upheaval in 1966.

After a January 1966 coup resulted in the establishment of a military administration under Maj. Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, the country faced significant internal friction. Aguiyi-Ironsi’s plan to replace the federal system with a unitary government triggered anti-Igbo riots in the north, and the military itself became deeply divided along ethnic lines.12

In July 1966, northern military officers staged a countercoup, during which Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated. In the wake of this power vacuum, Gowon—who had previously served as chief of staff to Aguiyi-Ironsi—emerged as the compromise head of the new government. He subsequently led the country through the ensuing civil war and remained in power until he was removed by the army in July 1975.123