06/02/2025
15 January 1970, Fifty five years ago. The Nigerian Civil War (6 July 1967 - 15 January 1970), also known as the Biafran War, Officially ended and Republic of Biafra formally surrendered to the Nigeria Federal Government..
The war was fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra, a secessionist state which had declared its independence from Nigeria in 1967.
With increased British support, the Nigerian federal forces launched their final offensive against the Biafrans once again on 23 December 1969, with a major thrust by the 3rd Marine Commando Division. The division was commanded by Col. Olusegun Obasanjo (who later became president twice), which succeeded in splitting the Biafran enclave into two by the end of the year.
The final Nigerian offensive, named "Operation Tail-Wind", was launched on 7 January 1970 with the 3rd Marine Commando Division attacking, and supported by the 1st Infantry division to the north and the 2nd Infantry division to the south. The Biafran towns of Owerri fell on 9 January, and Uli on 11 January. Only a few days earlier, Ojukwu left the country into exile by plane to the Ivory Coast, leaving his deputy Philip Effiong to handle the details of the surrender to General Yakubu Gowon of the Federal Army on 13 January 1970.
The surrender paper was signed on 14 January 1970 in Lagos and thus came the end of the civil war and renunciation of secession.
Fighting ended a few days later, with the Nigerian forces advancing into the remaining Biafran-held territories, which was met with little resistance.
After the war, Gowon said, "The tragic chapter of violence is just ended. We are at the dawn of national reconciliation. Once again we have an opportunity to build a new nation. My dear compatriots, we must pay homage to the fallen, to the heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice that we may be able to build a nation, great in justice, fair trade, and industry."
May the soul of all fallen Heroes continue to rest in peace
