Final federal offensive begins

In December 1969, Nigerian federal forces under General Yakubu Gowon launched what would become the decisive military campaign against the breakaway Republic of Biafra. The offensive targeted the remaining Biafran strongholds in the former Eastern Region, particularly around Owerri and other key towns still under Biafran control. By this time, the secessionist state led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu had been reduced to a fraction of its original territory, with its forces severely weakened by over two years of warfare.

The final offensive came after earlier federal campaigns had systematically captured major Biafran cities including Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Calabar, cutting off vital supply routes and revenue sources. International arms embargoes had left Biafran forces critically short of weapons and ammunition, while a federal blockade had created widespread famine in the remaining Biafran territory. The humanitarian crisis had drawn global attention, but diplomatic efforts to end the conflict had failed to produce a negotiated settlement acceptable to both sides.