Operation UNICORD

Date: July 2 – July 12, 1967
Conflict: Nigerian Civil War
Location: Northern border of Biafra
Outcome: Nigerian Army captures six major Biafran towns

Background

Nigeria became an independent state in October 1960, with a government dominated by northern Hausa-Fulani politicians. The early post-independence period was marked by corruption, electoral fraud, and political unrest.

By 1965, widespread dissatisfaction led to riots and arrests in cities such as Lagos and Ibadan. Obafemi Awolowo was accused of inciting unrest and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

1966 Coup and Counter-Coup

On January 15, 1966, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna led a coup, killing 11 senior politicians, including Prime Minister Abubakar Balewa. The coup failed in the north, and General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi took control as Supreme Commander on January 16, 1966.

His perceived leniency toward the coup plotters and favoritism toward the southern elite led to his assassination on July 29, 1966, in a counter-coup that brought Colonel Yakubu Gowon to power. The coup was followed by the 1966 anti-Igbo pogrom, in which approximately 50,000 Igbo civilians were massacred across northern cities like Kano and Kaduna.

Path to Secession

These events fueled secessionist sentiments in the Eastern Region. Meetings between Gowon and Ojukwu at Aburi, Ghana, failed to resolve tensions.

A consultative assembly approved the secession of a new state, and on May 30, 1967, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu officially declared the Republic of Biafra. He organized a 3,000-man guerrilla force to defend Biafra. In response, President Gowon ordered military action to reclaim the region.

Battle

Initial Offensive

Date: July 2, 1967
Location: Northern sector of Biafran territory
Nigerian Forces:
- First Area Command
- Support Units: Artillery brigade, reconnaissance units, Saladin armored cars, and Ferrets
- Divided into:
  - 1st Brigade (Maj. Sule Apollo): Advanced via Ogugu–Ogunga–Nsukka road
  - 2nd Brigade (Maj. Martin Adamu): Advanced via Gakem–Obudu–Ogoja road

Biafran Defense

Led by Brigadier H.M. Njoku
Initial resistance was successful, but Nigerian troops began using local guides and informants to gain tactical advantage

Outcome of the Offensive

Over a 10-day period, Nigerian forces captured:

Nsukka
Ogugu
Ogunga
Ogoja
Gakem
Obudu

Biafran troops retreated under duress, with many suffering from malaria, headaches, and low morale. Thousands of civilians fled to Enugu, fearing massacres.

Aftermath

July 30, 1967: Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu attempted to retake Nsukka but was killed.
Nigerian forces advanced slowly toward Enugu due to the Mid-West Invasion led by Victor Banjo.
- Banjo advanced as close as 135 miles to Lagos before being intercepted by Murtala Mohammed’s forces.
Biafran troops retreated to Onitsha after a month of fighting, losing hold of the Mid-Western Region.

Siege of Enugu

Nsukka, due to its proximity, became a staging point for the siege of Enugu.
By September 30, Nigerian troops breached Biafran lines and entered the city.
After six days of fighting, Biafrans retreated to the outskirts and relocated the capital to Umuahia.

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