US, UK arms embargo forced Nigeria to seek Soviet support during civil war — Gowon
Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has said that the refusal of the United States and the United Kingdom to supply arms during the civil war pushed his government to seek military assistance from the Soviet Union and other unconventional sources, including a Lebanese arms dealer.
Gowon made the revelation in his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja. President Bola Tinubu was represented at the launch by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In the book, Gowon described the arms embargo imposed by Western countries as a turning point that forced Nigeria to explore alternative supply routes as ammunition stocks dwindled.
“As the weeks of fighting wore on, our stock of ammunition was steadily depleted, and we could not replenish them because international sales restrictions prevented suppliers from selling military hardware to Nigeria,” Gowon wrote.
He said the situation became so severe that Nigerian forces had to halt further advances after the capture of Enugu.
“Left with no choice, I ordered the Federal troops to hold their position because I could not, in clear conscience, commit them to further advance knowing that the ammunition to sustain the effort was in short supply,” he stated.
Gowon also recalled expressing disappointment with Western powers despite their global military engagements at the time.
“If I say I’m not disappointed, it will be an understatement,” he said, referring to his meeting with British and American diplomats during the conflict.
Background
The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) followed the secession of the Eastern Region as the Republic of Biafra, leading to a brutal conflict between federal forces and Biafran separatists. The war resulted in widespread humanitarian crisis, massive casualties, and long-term political and economic consequences for Nigeria.
