Retired General Paul Chambiri Tarfa has said that officers of Igbo extraction were mainly responsible for spearheading the January 1966 coup, which marked Nigeria’s first military takeover.
According to a video posted by Trust TV on Sunday, November 8, 2026, Tarfa made the remarks while discussing the controversial military operation and the officers involved in the coup.
The retired general identified several military officers he said participated in the operation, noting that those who spearheaded it were predominantly of Igbo origin.
According to Tarfa, the officers included General Okafor, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Udeze and Chukwumerije.
Speaking during the interview, Tarfa said: “The people who spearheaded the coup were mainly of Igbo extraction. General Okafor was there, Ifeajuna, Udeze, Chukwumerije was there.”
The January 15, 1966 coup remains a significant turning point in Nigeria’s political and military history. The operation resulted in the deaths of several prominent political and military figures, including Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Northern Region Premier Ahmadu Bello and Western Region Premier Samuel Ladoke Akintola.
Arise News
