List of Nigeria’s Army Chiefs Through the Ages: From Independence to the Present Day
In a nation where the military has played a pivotal role in shaping political and national identity, the appointment of Major General Waidi Shuaibu as Nigeria’s new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks the latest chapter in a storied lineage of military leadership.
In this report, PRNigeria provides the names of the army chiefs — from colonial-era generals to indigenous commanders navigating coups, civil war, and democratic transitions —the office of the COAS has mirrored Nigeria’s evolving history.
From Colonial Command to Indigenous Control
Major General Norman Foster (1960–1962) and Major General Sir Christopher Welby-Everard (1962–1965) were British officers who led the Nigerian Army during the early post-independence years under the civilian government and Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa.
Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (Feb 1965–Jan 1966) became the first Nigerian COAS, later assuming power as Head of State following the 1966 coup.
The Era of Coups and Civil War
Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon (Jan–July 1966) briefly served as COAS before becoming Head of State.
Lt. Col. Joseph Akahan (1966–1968) and Maj. Gen. Hassan Katsina (1968–1971) led during the Nigerian Civil War under Gowon’s military regime.
Maj. Gen. David Ejoor (1971–1975) continued under Gowon and briefly under Murtala Muhammed.
Military Rule and Transition
Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (1975–1979) served under Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo’s military government.
Lt. Gen. Ipoola Akinrinade (1979–1980), Lt. Gen. Gibson Jalo (1980–1981), and Lt. Gen. Mohammed Wushishi (1981–1983) served under the civilian administration of President Shehu Shagari.
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Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (1984–1985) became COAS under Gen. Muhammadu Buhari before seizing power himself.
Lt. Gen. Sani Abacha (1985–1990), Lt. Gen. Salihu Ibrahim (1990–1993), Lt. Gen. Aliyu Gusau (1993), Maj. Gen. Chris Alli (1993–1994), Maj. Gen. Alwali Kazir (1994–1996), and Maj. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (1996–1999) served under Abacha’s authoritarian regime and later Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Democratic Era and Modernisation
Lt. Gen. Victor Malu (1999–2001), Lt. Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (2001–2003), Lt. Gen. Martin Agwai (2003–2006), and Lt. Gen. Owoye Azazi (2006–2007) served under President Obasanjo’s democratic government.
Lt. Gen. Luka Yusuf (2007–2008) and Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazau (2008–2010) served under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (2010–2014) and Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (2014–2015) served under President Goodluck Jonathan.
Counterinsurgency and Continuity
Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (2015–2021) led the army through a critical phase of counterinsurgency under President Buhari.
Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru (Jan–May 2021) tragically died in a plane crash shortly after his appointment.
Lt. Gen. Farouk Yahaya (2021–2023) succeeded him, also under Buhari.
Tinubu’s Era: A New Generation
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja (2023–Nov 2024) was appointed by President Tinubu but died in office.
Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (Nov 2024–Oct 2025) briefly held the position before being succeeded.
Maj. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu (Oct 2025–present) is the current COAS, ushering in a new phase of leadership under President Tinubu.
From colonial command to contemporary challenges, Nigeria’s Chiefs of Army Staff have been central to the country’s security and political evolution. As Major General Shuaibu assumes command, the nation watches closely, hopeful for a future of stability, professionalism, and reform in the armed forces.
By PRNigeria
