Introduction
Ogbugo Kalu (died February 2004) was a notable Nigerian military officer who served in both the Nigerian Army and the Biafran Army during the Nigerian Civil War. He was also the commander of the Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC) in Kaduna following the 1966 Nigerian coup d’état.
Early Military Career
Kalu began his military career in the Nigerian Army in 1958. He received formal training in Ghana and the United Kingdom, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in November 1959. He was promoted to Major during the early 1960s.
1966 Coup d’état
On January 15, 1966, a coup d’état, overthrew the Nigerian government. The coup was swiftly suppressed by General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who then became the head of state. General Ironsi appointed Major Kalu as the commandant of the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, succeeding Colonel Ralph Shodeinde, who was assassinated by mutinous soldiers led by Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu. Kalu was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in May 1966.
Second Coup and Biafran Conflict
On July 29, 1966, a second coup d’état occurred, resulting in the assassination of General Ironsi and several other Igbo officers. During this period, Kalu held a meeting with eastern officers, including Lt. Col. Alexander Madiebo and Maj. Christopher Emelifonwu, to inform them of the danger they faced. Following the murder of some officers, Kalu escaped to eastern Nigeria by stowing away in a train.
Role in Biafra
In February 1967, the Eastern Region, under Odumegwu Ojukwu, formed two infantry battalions, which later became the Biafran 7th and 8th Battalions. Kalu was appointed to command the 8th Battalion based in Port Harcourt, while Lt. Col. Alexander Madiebo led the 7th Battalion based in Nsukka. Following Nigeria’s declaration of war on Biafra on July 6, 1967, the 8th Battalion defended key areas including Ahoada and Calabar.
The 52nd Brigade, composed of Kalu’s 8th Battalion and the 9th Battalion under Major Ogbo Oji, was formed shortly after the war began. Kalu led the 52nd Brigade in a campaign against the Nigerian 15th Brigade, achieving significant tactical victories. However, internal disagreements and challenges led to Kalu’s replacement by Major Joseph Achuzie on May 19, 1968.
Later Military Actions
After his removal from the 52nd Brigade, Kalu was appointed commander of the Biafran 63rd Brigade. He led successful guerrilla operations behind enemy lines, including attacks on Nigerian positions in Asaba and Ogwashi-Uku. Following the capture of Owerri by Nigerian forces, Kalu was appointed commander of the Biafran 14th Division. He executed a counter-attack against Nigerian forces in Obinze and played a critical role in the siege of Owerri.
Final Surrender and Aftermath
On March 31, 1969, Kalu’s 14th Division captured a substantial part of Owerri. Despite the heavy fighting, the Nigerian 16th Division, which was besieged by Biafran forces, eventually managed to escape. Kalu was promoted to Brigadier and remained stationed in Owerri until the end of the war. On January 12, 1970, he participated in Biafra’s final surrender to Nigerian forces. Kalu was held in custody for three days but was later granted amnesty by President Yakubu Gowon along with other Biafran officers.
Conclusion
Ogbugo Kalu’s military career, marked by significant roles in both the Nigerian and Biafran armies, reflects his notable contributions during a turbulent period in Nigerian history. His leadership and strategic actions during the Nigerian Civil War remain a significant part of the historical narrative of the conflict.
