PHOTOS: 7 of Nigeria’s first generation Army Generals

1. Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi

In 1965, he became the first Nigerian to attain the rank of Major General, thus the first Nigerian General and first indigenous General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Nigerian Army.
First Nigerian Head of State (Military) (Jan–July 1966).
From Abia State (then Eastern Region).

2. General Yakubu Gowon

Became Head of State after the July 1966 counter-cøup.
Promoted to Major-General shortly after assuming power.
Later rose to Full General while in office.
From Plateau State (Middle Belt).
Head of State: 1966–1975.

3. Major General Hassan Usman Katsina

One of the most senior Northern officers after the 1966 coups.
Served as Chief of Staff, Nigerian Army. He became a Brigadier-General in 1969 and Major General in 1971.
From Katsina State (North-West).
Helped stabilize the country after the July 1966 cøup.

4. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed

Rose through the ranks during the civil wār.
Became Head of State in 1975 after overthrowing Gowon.
Attained rank of General in 1975.
From Kano State.
Head of State: 1975–1976.

5. Lieutenant General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma

Played a major role during the civil wãr.
Became Chief of Army Staff (1975–1979).
Rose to Lieutenant General rank.
From Taraba State (North East).

6. General Olusegun Obasanjo

Became Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters under Murtala Mohammed.
Succeeded Murtala as Head of State after his assass!nation in 1976.
Promoted to General in 1976.
From Ogun State (South-West).
Head of State: 1976–1979.

7. Lieutenant General Alani Akinrinade

Senior officer during and after the civil wãr.
Chief of Army Staff (1979–1981).
From Osun State (South-West).

You know some others? Please mention them.

Credit: Ethnic African Stories