25/08/2026
Biography of Major General Mohammed Shuwa, First GOC of 1 Division.
September 1, 1939 – November 2, 2012
Major General Mohammed Shuwa was a distinguished Nigerian Army officer and the first General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army’s 1st Division. He led the division with courage during the Nigerian Civil War and became a national hero for his role in the conflict.
Shuwa was born on September 1, 1939, in Masharte, Borno State. He began his education at Kala Elementary School from 1946 to 1947, then attended Bama Central Elementary School from 1948 to 1950, followed by Bornu Middle School from 1950 to 1952. He completed his secondary education at Barewa College, Zaria, between 1952 and 1957, where he was a classmate of General Murtala Muhammed.
On September 19, 1958, Shuwa joined the Nigerian Army alongside Murtala Muhammed, Iliya Bisalla, and Ibrahim Haruna. He received his initial military training at the Regular Officers Special Training School in Teshie, Ghana, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in July 1961 after graduating from the Royal Military Academy.
In late September 1966, Shuwa and Major Oluleye were unexpectedly transferred from the 5th Battalion and were replaced by Major Abba Kyari and Captain Auna. On October 1, 1966, troops of the 5th Battalion mutinied, killing Captain Auna and Regimental Sergeant Major Dauda Mumuni, while Major Kyari managed to escape. The mutiny was suppressed through the intervention of Lt. Colonel Hassan Katsina, with the support of Lt. Colonel Shuwa, Major Martin Adamu, and Lieutenant Garba Duba.
During the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970, Shuwa earned widespread recognition as a war hero after leading the capture of Umuahia. He took over command during the battle after Captain Ibrahim Babangida sustained a leg injury.
Major General Mohammed Shuwa is remembered as a brave, disciplined, and patriotic soldier who played a vital role in shapi