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Abdulsalami Reveals Why Ojukwu Rejected Gowon as Nigeria’s Leader

Published

1 hour ago

June 15, 2026

Yakubu Gowon and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

Abdulsalami Reveals Why Ojukwu Rejected Gowon as Nigeria’s Leader

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has shed fresh light on the events that led to the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War, revealing that late Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu refused to recognise General Yakubu Gowon as Nigeria’s Head of State because he believed military hierarchy had been disregarded following the assassination of Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The revelation is contained in Abdulsalami’s autobiography, “Call of Duty,” which was unveiled in Abuja during activities marking his 84th birthday.

In the memoir, the former military leader provides a detailed account of the political tensions, ethnic divisions and military intrigues that plunged Nigeria into one of the darkest periods in its history.

According to Abdulsalami, the roots of the crisis can be traced to the January 15, 1966 coup, led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and other young military officers. The coup resulted in the deaths of several prominent political and military leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Northern Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Western Region Premier Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

He explained that the killings created widespread resentment in Northern Nigeria, where many perceived the coup as being targeted against northern political leaders.

“There were complaints about the reported hubris over the killing of the northern leaders. Some Northern officers also complained that Igbos were being promoted above others in the military,” Abdulsalami wrote.

The situation rapidly deteriorated as anti-Igbo sentiments spread across parts of Northern Nigeria. Violent riots broke out in cities such as Kano, Kaduna and Jos, leading to the deaths of many Igbos and the destruction of homes and businesses belonging to easterners.

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The unrest eventually culminated in the July 1966 counter-coup, during which Head of State Aguiyi-Ironsi was overthrown and killed by northern military officers.

Following Ironsi’s death, Yakubu Gowon emerged as Nigeria’s new military leader. However, Abdulsalami said Ojukwu strongly opposed Gowon’s emergence, insisting that military tradition and hierarchy had not been followed.

According to him, Ojukwu maintained that Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe, who was then the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters and the most senior military officer after Ironsi, should have succeeded the slain Head of State.

“Lt. Colonel Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Governor of the Eastern Region, refused to recognise the new Head of State, insisting that in the absence or death of Aguiyi-Ironsi, the next in command was Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe,” Abdulsalami stated.

The disagreement deepened political tensions between the Federal Military Government and the Eastern Region, with Ojukwu refusing to pledge loyalty to Gowon’s administration.

As the crisis worsened, thousands of Igbos fled Northern Nigeria and returned to the East amid fears for their safety. Retaliatory attacks were also reported in parts of Eastern Nigeria, further escalating ethnic divisions.

Abdulsalami noted that several attempts were made to resolve the crisis through dialogue. One of the most significant efforts was the Aburi Accord, held in Ghana in January 1967, where regional leaders sought a political solution to the growing conflict.

However, disagreements over the interpretation and implementation of the agreement ultimately derailed the peace process.

With negotiations failing and political tensions reaching a boiling point, Ojukwu declared the secession of the Eastern Region on May 30, 1967, creating the Republic of Biafra.

“On 30 May 1967, Ojukwu announced that Igbos would leave Nigeria for good to form their own country. He felt they were being victimised and marginalised in Nigeria and that the only solution was to secede,” Abdulsalami recalled.

The declaration triggered the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from July 1967 to January 1970 and remains one of the deadliest conflicts in Africa’s post-colonial history.

Reflecting on the war decades later, Abdulsalami expressed the belief that the conflict could have been avoided.

“To this day, I believe that the Civil War, like most other conflicts in life, could have been prevented,” he wrote.

“I feel that rising tempers, anger and the cycle of retaliations didn’t leave room for understanding and reconciliation.”

The former military ruler said Nigeria was fortunate to survive the conflict and eventually reconcile as one nation, stressing the importance of learning from the painful lessons of the war.

Abdulsalami also recounted one of the most traumatic experiences of his military career during the conflict. He described the battle for Awka and Onitsha as among the fiercest encounters of the war, revealing that federal troops suffered heavy casualties following a tactical miscalculation after capturing Onitsha in February 1968.

According to him, commanders believed victory was near and moved troops, vehicles and ammunition in a manner that exposed them to a devastating Biafran counterattack involving rocket fire and bombardment.

“Our vehicles caught fire. The tankers supplying us with fuel for our operational vehicles also exploded. It was a most terrifying scene. Many soldiers died. I was lucky to escape,” he wrote.

The memoir offers a rare insider perspective on the events that shaped the Nigerian Civil War, the tensions between Ojukwu and Gowon, and the decisions that ultimately altered the course of Nigeria’s history.

Abdulsalami Reveals Why Ojukwu Rejected Gowon as Nigeria’s Leader

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Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Published

3 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Arrested dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a dismissed police officer, Inspector Danjuma Yusuf, over alleged involvement in a high-profile arms trafficking network operating across state lines in Plateau State.

The arrest was carried out on Sunday at the Makera axis of Riyom Local Government Area during an intelligence-led operation conducted by troops of Sector 6 in collaboration with the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace.

According to a military statement obtained by Politics Nigeria, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence on the movement of illicit arms within Plateau State and neighbouring regions.

“Acting swiftly, troops of Sector 6, in collaboration with Headquarters Operation Enduring Peace, executed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, 14 June 2026,” the statement said.

The suspect was reportedly intercepted while travelling in a white Peugeot vehicle from Jos South towards the Makera axis. He was placed under surveillance before being stopped at a military checkpoint.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols, 167 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three cans of pepper spray, and a jack knife.

Other items recovered from the suspect included two mobile phones, two cutlasses, a police staff tag, photographs showing him in police uniform, two ATM cards, a National Identification Number (NIN) card, and ₦73,300 in cash.

Preliminary findings identified the suspect as a former officer of the Nigeria Police Force Base 7, Abuja, who had been officially dismissed from service.

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“Further intelligence indicates that the suspect is a key figure in an interstate arms trafficking syndicate, allegedly supplying weapons to criminal elements involved in terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement added.

Military authorities said the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation aimed at uncovering members of his network, including possible collaborators, financiers, and supply routes.

The operation, according to the Army, represents a significant disruption of illegal arms trafficking activities and demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing intelligence-driven security operations in the region.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated efforts with other security agencies to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and combat violent crimes across the country.

It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing counter-crime operations and enhance security nationwide.

Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

Troops Arrest Dismissed Police Inspector Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Plateau

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Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

Published

36 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Ali Umar-Fage

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

The Katsina State Police Command says its operatives have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine passengers during a coordinated operation along the Katsina–Kankara Road in Katsina State.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, said the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., when suspected armed bandits blocked the highway at Tashar Kanya village in Kankara Local Government Area.

According to him, the attackers intercepted a red commercial Volkswagen Golf III Saloon with registration number KMC 400 MK, driven by a 40-year-old man identified as Aliyu, popularly known as “Maitakabari.”

The vehicle was reportedly conveying 11 passengers from Dandume to Katsina when the armed men stopped it and abducted all occupants.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Kankara mobilised a tactical team, including operatives of the Violent Crime Rescue Unit (VCRU), to the scene.

“The operatives tactically engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Due to the team’s superior firepower and tactical manoeuvres, the hoodlums were forced to flee the scene,” the statement said.

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During a sweep of the area after the encounter, police operatives rescued nine victims unhurt.

The rescued persons were identified as Abubakar Ibrahim (28), Rakkiya Ya’u (30), Shamsiya Ahmad Mahamud (18), Jumai Majarazu (20), Salamatu Adamu (30), Yusuf Halliru (17), Harira Hamisu (25), Umma Kabir (17), and Nusaiba Maharazu (3).

However, two persons — the driver, Aliyu “Maitakabari,” and a passenger, Buhari Kabir — were still unaccounted for at the time of the report. Authorities said a search-and-rescue operation was ongoing to locate them and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The police spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, CP Aliyu Umar Fage, commended the operatives for their swift response and bravery during the operation.

He also reassured residents that the command remains committed to intensifying security operations aimed at clearing criminal elements from highways and rural communities across the state.

Katsina State has continued to experience recurring cases of banditry and highway kidnappings, prompting increased patrols and tactical deployments along major travel routes.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as search operations continue.

Police Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Nine Victims on Katsina–Kankara Road

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Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping

Published

44 minutes ago

June 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo

Edo Gov Okpebholo Orders Probe Into Benin Vegetable Market Kidnapping

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the kidnapping incident that occurred on Sunday at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.

In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the governor directed the Edo State Police Command to immediately launch a swift and coordinated investigation into the incident, with orders to secure the rescue of the victim and apprehend those responsible.

The governor also warned that his administration would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public safety or disrupting peace in the state.

“I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open investigation into the matter,” Okpebholo said.

“As a government, we will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.”

He urged residents of Benin City and across Edo State to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies, stressing that timely information remains critical to ongoing operations.

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Okpebholo further assured that the state government would not relent until those behind the attack are tracked down, arrested, and prosecuted.

According to reports, the incident occurred when a woman was abducted while shopping at one of the stores within the busy Vegetable Market. A viral video circulating on social media showed the moment the victim was forcibly taken away, sparking panic among traders and residents.

Security sources say preliminary investigations have begun, with operatives working to track the kidnappers and review intelligence from the scene to aid rescue efforts.

Kidnapping incidents have continued to raise concern in parts of Edo State, prompting renewed calls for stronger security presence around markets, highways, and public spaces in Benin City.

Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.