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Operation OAU: Nigeria’s Major Offensive in the Biafran War

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Location: Eastern Region, Nigeria
Date: September–October 1968 (with extended clashes into early 1969)
Photo Credit: Nigerian Civil War Archives

Background

Operation OAU was among the largest and bloodiest military campaigns of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Launched in September 1968, it aimed to break the secessionist Republic of Biafra’s resistance by capturing three strategic cities: Owerri, Aba, and Umuahia. The operation derived its name from the initials of these towns, which represented critical strongholds in Biafra’s war effort.

At the time, Aba functioned as an industrial and commercial hub, Owerri held significant strategic value, and Umuahia had become the provisional administrative capital after the federal capture of Enugu in October 1967. Nigerian commanders believed that capturing these cities would dismantle Biafra’s governance structure and force a quick end to the war.

Launch and Course of the Offensive

September 2, 1968: Federal troops, commanded by Major General Benjamin Adekunle of the 3rd Marine Commando Division and supported by other divisions, advanced simultaneously on Aba, Owerri, and Umuahia.

Aba: Fell within weeks after heavy fighting. Its fall displaced tens of thousands of civilians and deepened the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Owerri: Initially captured by Nigerian forces but retaken by Biafran troops under Major Joseph Achuzia and Colonel Alexander Madiebo. Owerri remained a focal point of conflict well into early 1969.

Umuahia: Despite repeated assaults, the city remained under Biafran control until December 1969, continuing to serve as the heart of Biafra’s administration.

The fighting was marked by shifting control of towns, ambushes, and brutal close-quarters combat. Both armies suffered severe losses.

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Casualties and Humanitarian Impact

Historians estimate that at least 25,000 people died during Operation OAU, though numbers vary widely due to the absence of reliable records. This figure includes both soldiers and civilians trapped in the contested zones.

The offensive also worsened Biafra’s famine crisis. The fall of Aba and sieges around Owerri displaced hundreds of thousands, cutting off food routes and relief supplies. The humanitarian toll of Operation OAU became part of the larger tragedy that drew international attention to the war.

Strategic Outcome

Operation OAU ultimately failed to achieve its objective of crushing Biafra’s command and control:

Aba was secured by federal forces.

Owerri, after months of see-saw fighting, returned to Biafran hands.

Umuahia remained Biafra’s capital until the war’s final months.

The inability of the Nigerian Federal Military Government to secure all three targets prolonged the conflict, forcing new offensives in 1969 and delaying the war’s end until January 1970.

Historical Significance

Operation OAU revealed both the strength and weakness of the warring sides. The federal army was larger, better supplied, and backed by foreign arms, but Biafra demonstrated remarkable resilience and local tactical ingenuity.

The campaign is remembered not only as a turning point in the military struggle but also as a symbol of the human cost of civil war. It showed that victory would not come quickly, and every advance carried with it enormous civilian suffering.

Sources:
Alexander A. Madiebo, The Nigerian Revolution and the Biafran War (Fourth Dimension Publishers, 1980).

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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