Nigerian List of Chief of Army Staff (COAS)

 
The position of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is one of the most important roles in Nigeria’s military structure. As the highest-ranking officer in the Nigerian Army, the COAS is responsible for directing military operations, ensuring discipline, and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity. Over the decades, Nigeria has had several distinguished Chiefs of Army Staff, each bringing their unique leadership style, professional background, and personal story.

In this post, we’ll walk through the list of Nigeria’s Chiefs of Army Staff — highlighting their tenure, corps, states of origin, and the mark they left on the Army and the nation at large.

1. Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon (January 1966 – July 1966):
Hailing from Plateau State and serving in the Infantry Corps, Yakubu Gowon became COAS during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods. Although his tenure as Army Chief was short, he later rose to prominence as Head of State, guiding the country through the Nigerian Civil War and post-war reconciliation.

2. Lt. Col. Joseph Akahan (August 1966 – May 1967):
From Benue State and also an Infantry officer, Joseph Akahan was deeply respected for his professionalism. Sadly, his service was cut short when he died in a helicopter crash in 1967, but he is remembered for his role in reorganizing the Army during the early stages of the civil conflict.

3. Maj. Gen. Hassan Katsina (May 1968 – January 1971):
Coming from Katsina State, Hassan Katsina served in the Armoured Corps. He played an important role in the Nigerian Civil War, ensuring effective strategies in armored warfare and earning admiration for his loyalty to Nigeria’s unity.

4. Maj. Gen. David Ejoor (January 1971 – July 1975):
From Delta State and an Infantry officer, David Ejoor became the first Nigerian Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy before rising to COAS. He worked tirelessly to rebuild and professionalize the Army after the civil war.

5. Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (July 1975 – October 1979):
A Taraba-born Infantry officer, Danjuma’s tenure was marked by strong leadership and reforms. Beyond his military service, he later became a respected statesman and philanthropist.

6. Lt. Gen. Ipoola Alani Akinrinade (October 1979 – April 1980):
From Osun State and serving in the Infantry Corps, Akinrinade’s career was distinguished both on and off the battlefield. His leadership qualities earned him respect even after retirement, as he contributed to national development.

7. Lt. Gen. Gibson Jalo (April 1980 – October 1981):
An Infantry officer from Adamawa State, Gibson Jalo was known for discipline and administrative excellence. He later became the Chief of Defence Staff, reflecting his broad military influence.

8. Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi (October 1981 – October 1983):
Representing Niger State and the Infantry Corps, Wushishi played a crucial role in stabilizing the Army during a politically sensitive era in Nigeria’s history.

9. Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (January 1984 – August 1985):
An Armoured Corps officer from Niger State, Babangida was a strategic-minded soldier. He later became Nigeria’s Head of State, remembered for introducing structural economic reforms and significant political changes.

10. Lt. Gen. Sani Abacha (August 1985 – September 1990):
From Kano State and the Infantry Corps, Abacha rose to become one of Nigeria’s most controversial leaders. As COAS, he was firm and decisive, qualities that later shaped his military regime as Head of State.

11. Lt. Gen. Salihu Ibrahim (September 1990 – August 1993):
Kogi State-born and an Armoured officer, Salihu Ibrahim brought a calm but disciplined leadership approach. His tenure emphasized loyalty and professionalism within the Army.

12. Lt. Gen. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (September 1993 – November 1993):
From Zamfara State, Gusau served in the Intelligence Corps. His time as COAS was brief, but he went on to serve in various intelligence and security advisory roles in later governments.

13. Maj. Gen. Chris Alli (November 1993 – August 1994):
A Kogi-born Infantry officer, Chris Alli took charge at a time of political turbulence. He was seen as a patriotic officer committed to national stability.

14. Maj. Gen. Alwali Kazir (August 1994 – March 1996):
From Yobe State and an Infantry officer, Kazir’s leadership was characterized by firmness and professionalism.

15. Maj. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (March 1996 – May 1999):
A Kebbi State Infantry officer, Bamaiyi served during a critical period leading up to Nigeria’s democratic transition. He was known for his tough stance on discipline.

16. Lt. Gen. Victor Malu (May 1999 – April 2001):
Benue State’s Victor Malu, an Infantry officer, was outspoken and fearless. He became a symbol of military assertiveness and stood firmly for his beliefs.

17. Lt. Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (April 2001 – June 2003):
From Delta State and serving in the Signals Corps, Ogomudia was a quiet but effective leader, modernizing communication systems within the Army.

18. Lt. Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (June 2003 – June 2006):
A Kaduna-born Infantry officer, Agwai went on to command United Nations peacekeeping missions, highlighting his international recognition as a professional soldier.

19. Lt. Gen. Owoye Andrew Azazi (June 2006 – May 2007):
From Bayelsa State and the Intelligence Corps, Azazi was a forward-thinking officer. He later served as National Security Adviser, bringing his expertise to broader security issues.

20. Lt. Gen. Luka Yusuf (June 2007 – August 2008):
An Artillery officer from Kaduna State, Yusuf worked on strengthening Army operations and training programs.

21. Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (August 2008 – September 2010):
From Kano State, serving in the Military Police Corps, Dambazau later transitioned into politics, serving as Minister of Interior. His time as COAS reflected discipline and organizational restructuring.

22. Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (September 2010 – January 2014):
From Abia State and the Engineers Corps, Ihejirika was the first Igbo COAS since the Civil War. He introduced modernization efforts and played a major role in tackling Boko Haram insurgency.

23. Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah (January 2014 – July 2015):
A Rivers-born Infantry officer, Minimah strengthened counter-terrorism operations and improved Army morale during a very challenging period.

24. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (July 2015 – January 2021):
From Borno State and the Infantry Corps, Buratai’s tenure was the longest in Nigeria’s recent history. He is remembered for leading the Army in its intensified fight against insurgency.

25. Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru (January 2021 – May 2021):
A Kaduna State Infantry officer, Attahiru tragically died in a plane crash after only a few months in office. His death shocked the nation, as he was seen as a reform-minded leader with a promising vision.

26. Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (May 2021 – June 2023):
From Sokoto State and the Infantry Corps, Yahaya’s tenure saw continuity in counter-insurgency and military operations across Nigeria.

27. Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja (June 2023 – November 2024):
An Infantry officer from Osun State, Lagbaja introduced people-centered leadership, focusing on soldier welfare and operational effectiveness.

28. Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (October 2024 – Present):
From Ekiti State and an Infantry officer, Oluyede is the current COAS. His leadership is still unfolding, but he has been described as a strategic thinker committed to modernizing the Nigerian Army.