Obasanjo Reveals Narrow Escape During 1966 Coup

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed that he narrowly escaped death during the January 1966 military coup in Nigeria. In an interview set to air on a podcast, he described the violence and confusion that ensued during the coup, which created significant fear within the military and left many officers uncertain about their safety.

Obasanjo recounted how former military officer Hassan Katsina quickly recognized the danger he was in while in Kaduna and informed him that there was no guarantee of safety if he remained in the city during the unrest. Following this advice, arrangements were made for Obasanjo to leave Kaduna and travel to Maiduguri in Borno State for his protection.

He spent nearly a month in Maiduguri as the country struggled with the tensions following the coup before returning to Kaduna when the situation calmed down.