January 9, 1970 · Biafran Heartland Theater
January 9, 1970
In early January 1970, the final Nigerian offensive overwhelmed the last Biafran defensive perimeter. Owerri fell again on January 9. Ojukwu fled to Ivory Coast on January 10, leaving General Philip Effiong in command of a state that no longer had territory to defend. Effiong and the Biafran High Command surrendered to Nigerian General Yakubu Gowon on January 15, 1970, ending the thirty-month war.
Commanders