The Siege of Owerri was a pivotal military conflict between Nigerian and Biafran forces during the Nigerian Civil War. The capture of Owerri marked a significant victory for Biafra, as it opened up critical communication lines, enhanced road telecommunications, and demonstrated that with determined resistance, Biafran forces could push back against Nigerian military efforts.
Prelude to the Siege
In July 1968, Colonel Benjamin Adekunle of the Nigerian 3rd Marine Commando (3MCDO) devised a strategy to capture the key cities of Aba, Owerri, and Umuahia. This military operation, dubbed “Operation OAU,” aimed to encircle and starve these cities into submission before launching a direct assault. Adekunle boasted that he could take control of all three cities within two weeks.
After 12 days of intense fighting, the 3MCDO captured Aba on September 14 and subsequently took Owerri on September 16. However, the Nigerian forces were pushed back at Umuahia, forcing them to retreat to Owerri, where they fortified their defenses. On October 15, Biafran forces launched a successful offensive, capturing the Aba-Umuahia road and securing Aba once again.
The Siege Begins
On October 15, 1968, while Nigerian Head of State Yakubu Gowon was preoccupied with anti-tax riots in the western region, Biafran Brigadier Alexander Madiebo encircled Owerri. Biafran forces also disrupted Nigerian supply convoys trying to enter the city, aided by heavy rainfall and mud, which further hindered the Nigerian resupply efforts.
By December 3, the Biafran 14th Division, under Colonel Ogbugo Kalu, and the 63rd Brigade, led by Colonel Lambert Ihenacho, advanced towards Owerri, capturing key villages like Eziama and Elelem. On December 5, the Biafran 60th Brigade, commanded by Colonel Azum Asoya, launched a major assault on the city, firing thousands of rounds of ammunition. Despite this intense attack, the Nigerian 16th Division, led by Colonel E. A. Etuk, held their ground, albeit suffering heavy casualties.
Continued Fighting and Nigerian Retreat
Throughout December 1968 and January 1969, the Biafrans made steady gains, capturing strategic locations around Owerri, such as Umuakpu, Umuagwo, and Omanelu. They also gained control of a crucial stretch of the Port Harcourt road. Nigerian forces, led by the 16th Division, attempted to regroup and launch counterattacks but faced stiff resistance from the Biafrans.
On January 15, 1969, the Biafran 60th Brigade launched another attack on Owerri, forcing the Nigerian 16th Division to retreat across the Otamini Bridge. However, instead of capitalizing on this retreat, the Biafran soldiers, suffering from hunger and lack of supplies, halted their advance to seize Nigerian food and clothing.
Nigerian Air Strikes and Further Biafran Advances
In late January 1969, the Nigerian government escalated its efforts, launching a series of air strikes on Biafran positions around Owerri. Despite continuous bombings, the Biafrans maintained their defensive lines. The Nigerian Air Force, joined by Egyptian mercenaries, bombed several villages in the area, causing widespread civilian casualties and drawing international condemnation.
By March 1969, Biafran forces, led by Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu and Major Joseph Achuzie, had pushed to within 1 km of Owerri. Tensions arose between the two commanders, with Achuzie demanding control of the Biafran S Division. Biafran President Odumegwu Ojukwu intervened, briefly giving Achuzie command, but his assault on Owerri ultimately failed. Ojukwu reinstated Onwuatuegwu, who devised new strategies for capturing the city.
The Fall of Owerri
On March 31, 1969, the Biafran 14th Division, under Ogbugo Kalu, launched another major offensive, securing control of 70% of Owerri. By intercepting Nigerian radio communications, the Biafrans learned that the Nigerian 16th Brigade was planning to execute all Biafran prisoners of war due to a severe food shortage.
Biafran air operations, led by Swedish pilot Carl Gustaf von Rosen and his “Biafra Babies” fighter squadron, continued to disrupt Nigerian supply efforts, further weakening the Nigerian forces in Owerri. Despite Nigerian attempts to air-drop supplies, Biafran intelligence intercepted and redirected much of the Nigerian resupply efforts.
The Nigerian Retreat and Biafran Victory
On the night of April 24, 1969, Colonel Utuk, commander of the Nigerian 16th Brigade, decided to withdraw his remaining forces from Owerri despite orders to stay from Colonel Benjamin Adekunle. The Nigerian troops retreated under the cover of darkness and joined other units south of Owerri. The Biafrans, aware of the retreat, allowed the Nigerians to leave the city to avoid wasting their limited ammunition.
Biafran forces pursued the Nigerian 16th Brigade, engaging them in battle at Umuguma, Avu, and Ohoba. The Nigerians managed to link up with other troops, but the retreat marked the end of their presence in Owerri.
The complete recapture of Owerri by Biafran forces was a significant morale boost for the Biafran cause. It demonstrated their ability to resist Nigerian advances and shattered the myth of the invincibility of the Nigerian 3rd Marine Commando Division, commanded by Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, also known as the “Black Scorpion.”
Aftermath and Consequences
The Siege of Owerri had far-reaching consequences for both sides. For Biafra, it restored hope in their ability to resist Nigerian forces and bolstered their internal communication and transportation networks. It also relieved the threat to the strategic Uli-Ihiala airstrip, a vital supply line for Biafra.
For Nigeria, the failure to hold Owerri led to a change in command. On May 16, 1969, Colonel Adekunle was replaced by Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo as commander of the 3rd Marine Commando Division. Obasanjo quickly set about restoring order and morale among the Nigerian forces, but the damage had been done. The Nigerian military had suffered significant losses, with an estimated 2,700 out of 3,000 Nigerian soldiers killed during the siege.
Despite these setbacks, the Nigerian government continued its efforts to end the war, eventually leading to the collapse of Biafra in January 1970.
Conclusion
The Siege of Owerri remains one of the most significant battles of the Nigerian Civil War. It showcased the resilience of the Biafran forces and highlighted the weaknesses within the Nigerian military command. The battle had lasting impacts on both sides, influencing the course of the war and shaping the final outcome of the conflict.
