The first military intervention in Nigerian politics was on

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the date of the first military intervention (coup) in Nigerian politics.

Step 2: Recall the key facts

• 1 October 1960: Nigeria gained independence. This was a political event, not a military takeover.
• 15 January 1966: The first military coup. Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and other mostly Igbo officers overthrew the First Republic. Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Premier Ahmadu Bello of the North, and Premier Samuel Akintola of the West were killed. Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi then took over as Head of State.
• 29 July 1966 (the option lists 26 July): The counter-coup, led mainly by Northern officers. It removed Ironsi and brought Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon to power. This was the second military intervention.
• 12 January 1970: The Nigerian Civil War ended, with Biafra surrendering. (The option's "12-Feb-70" is not a coup date.)
• 13 February 1976: The failed Dimka coup, in which Murtala Muhammed was assassinated. (The "13-Feb-73" option is not a real coup date either.)

Step 3: Eliminate the options

• A is independence, not a coup.
• C is the counter-coup, which came after the first one.
• D and E are not coup dates.
• B, 15 January 1966, is the first military intervention.

Answer: B

Tip: Remember the order of coups with a simple sequence: Jan 1966 (Nzeogwu/Ironsi) → July 1966 (Gowon) → 1975 (Murtala) → 1976 (Dimka, failed) → 1983 (Buhari) → 1985 (Babangida) → 1993 (Abacha). Whenever you see "first" in a question about military rule, think January 1966.