Siege of Owerri
15 October 1968 – 25 April 1969
The Siege of Owerri was a major battle between Nigerian and Biafran forces during the Nigerian Civil War.
The capture was a significant Biafran victory, opening telephone lines, enhancing road telecommunications, and proving that with stiff resistance, Biafra could defeat Nigerian forces.
Prelude
In July 1968, Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, commander of the 3rd Marine Commando (3MCDO), launched Operation OAU—an offensive aimed at Aba, Owerri, and Umuahia, predicting their capture within two weeks.
Adekunle’s strategy:
- Surround a city
- Starve defenders into submission
- Attack weakened forces
Key events before the siege:
- 14 September 1968: 3MCDO captured Aba after 12 days of fighting.
- 16 September: Captured Owerri.
- Pushback at Umuahia forced Nigerians to retreat to Owerri and set up defenses.
- 15 October: Biafrans seized the Aba–Umuahia road and recaptured Aba.
The Siege
Initial Encirclement (15 October 1968)
- Led by Brigadier Alexander Madiebo.
- Nigerian supply convoys attacked; heavy rain and mud slowed relief efforts.
December 1968
- 3 December: Biafran 14th Division (Col. Ogbugo Kalu) and 63rd Brigade (Col. Lambert Ihenacho) captured Eziama and Elelem.
- 5 December: Main assault by 60th Brigade (Col. Azum Asoya)—over 50,000 rounds, 300 mortars, 200 howitzer shells, 20 anti-tank weapons fired.
- Biafran 68th Battalion (Major Ikeji) secured part of Port Harcourt road.
Nigerian Counteractions (Dec 1968 – Jan 1969)
- 19 December: Nigerian 16th Division (Col. E. A. Etuk) captured Abiaka.
- 29 December: Captured Avu and Afrola.
- 6 January: Biafrans captured Umuakpu, Umuagwo, and Omanelu; seized Obinze but failed to take Avu.
- 15 January: Biafrans forced Nigerian retreat but halted to consume abandoned supplies; Nigerians counter-attacked successfully.
Air Strikes & Civilian Impact (Jan – Feb 1969)
- 24 January: Nigerian offensive included sustained bombing of Biafran positions.
- 7 February: Villages of Umohiagu and Ozu Abam destroyed by Nigerian Air Force and Egyptian mercenaries.
- Biafra accused Nigeria of targeting civilians; air strikes continued.
Stalemate & Leadership Clashes (March 1969)
- 14 March: Nigerian troops failed to secure key roads; shortages worsened.
- 15 March: Major Timothy Onwuatuegwu’s frontal assault halted; leadership dispute with Major Joseph Achuzie.
- President Ojukwu intervened, temporarily giving Achuzie command; assault failed, Onwuatuegwu reinstated.
Final Push (31 March – 25 April 1969)
- 31 March: Biafran 14th Division secured 70% of Owerri.
- Intelligence revealed Nigerian plans to execute Biafran POWs due to food shortages.
- Swedish pilot Carl Gustaf von Rosen and his Biafra Babies disrupted Nigerian air drops.
- 20 April: Major Ted Hamman (Nigerian) killed by sniper.
- 24–25 April: Remaining Nigerian 16th Division soldiers fought out and escaped.
Aftermath
- Two days before Owerri’s capture: Umuahia fell to Col. Mohammed Shuwa’s 1st Division; capital moved to Aba.
- After Owerri’s retaking, capital moved again to Owerri.
- Biafrans held Owerri for 8+ months until 7 January 1970, when Col. Olusegun Obasanjo’s 3rd Marine Division captured the city.