My favorite person and everyday hero is Patrick Chukwuma Kadunna Nzeogwu.
Forget what your history books told you.
Nzeogwu is not just a true Revolutionist but a true believer in Nigeria.
He didnt instigate the 1966 Coup for his personal gains but to rid Nigeria of corruption.

At a time when Nigeria was being slowly eaten away by corruption and nepotism, Nzeogwu saw the need to fix things right.
Note, Nzeogwu was a Major in the Nigerian Army, born in Kadunna and was very well in love with the north, an Igbo man by birth and friends with everybody.

Patrick Chukwuma Nzeogwu served under Aguiyi Ironsi (Who will later take power after the coup and jail Chukwuma).
Olusegun Obasanjo (Former president of Nigeria) was a very close friend of Nzeogwu while they both served at Zaria

Contrary to what alot of books said about Nzeogwu, that the 1966 coup was biased.
Let me point out that the then Minister of Finance Festus Okotie-Eboh (Who enmassed alot of riches for himself from public fund) was from the same region as Chukwuma, Bendel State

The coup also targeted Nnamdi Azikiwe (An Igbo man),who was the President of Nigeria then and was accused of keeping a blind eye while politicians and leaders helped themselves with public funds.
That is to say that the 1966 Coup was basically meant to purge Nigeria of ..

corrupt and biased leadership, irrespective of their ethnicity or tribe.
Let me also point out that Nzeogwu was actively involved in the investigation of Obafemi Awolowo who was charged and jailed for Corruption and Treason.
He obviously saw a good share of corrupt Nigeria.

Remember these
1962 Ibadan Riot
1964 Election violence
1964 Election rigging
The 1964 Election was so violent that it took over 3,000 lives.
In all of these rift for power by the elites, it was the common Nigerians that suffered.

During all of these massive corruption and violence, the Army which was trained to die protect, saw the treasure which they were to protect wither in the hands of greedy politicians.
Obviously, they has to react.

"A Nation suffers when good people fold hands and do nothing"

Major Patrick Nzeowgwu, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Major Anuforo, Major Ademoyega, Major Okafor with others sat and planned what i personally call "The Purge".

It will be something to note that these Majors were all young men between the ages of 25 years - 35 years.

who were vibrant, energetic and eager to cause a Revolution.
"Our enemies are political profiteers, swindlers, the men in high and low places that demand bribes and 10%; those that seek to have the country permanently divided so they can remain in office as Ministers or VIPs"

The plan for the coup was in no way biased.
1. Strike Regional capitals (Including Eastern Region)
2. Arrest leading politicians (Kill anyone who refuses)
3. Avoid Reprisal by killing all senior Army officers (Normal in coups)
4. Block the movement of troops from Niger and Benue

The coup was meticulously planned out under the Operation Tiger (Damisa), where troops who were hand picked were trained on how to carry out the Revolution (Coup).
Though the Eastern region was later left out as there wasnt much corrupt practice in the region at that time.