Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that the refusal of the United States and the United Kingdom to supply arms to Nigeria during the civil war forced his government to seek military support from the Soviet Union and black-market arms dealers.
The disclosure is contained in Chapter 15 of Gowon’s newly launched autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday at an event attended by top political leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In the chapter titled If The Devil’s Ready To Help, Gowon detailed how Nigeria faced severe ammunition shortages during the height of the civil war between 1967 and 1970, as Western allies declined to provide military supplies amid international arms restrictions.
According to the former military leader, Nigeria’s ammunition reserves had dwindled to roughly half a million rounds by late 1968, leaving federal troops unable to sustain major offensives after capturing key territories, including Enugu.
“As the weeks of fighting wore on, our stock of ammunition was steadily depleted,” Gowon wrote, noting that international restrictions prevented suppliers from selling military hardware to Nigeria.
The former Head of State said the situation compelled him to halt troop advances toward Okigwe and Umuahia despite battlefield gains, citing concerns that soldiers lacked sufficient ammunition to continue operations safely.
Gowon also recounted a tense diplomatic meeting with British and American ambassadors, during which he expressed disappointment over Western reluctance to support Nigeria’s efforts to preserve national unity during the conflict.
“If I say I’m not disappointed, it will be an understatement,” he recalled telling the envoys, adding that he was prepared to “go to any devil” to secure the weapons needed to prosecute the war and preserve Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Following the failed diplomatic engagement, Gowon directed his Principal Secretary, Hamza Ahmadu, to open discussions with Soviet Ambassador Aleksandr Romanov at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
A high-level Nigerian delegation, led by former Information Commissioner Anthony Enahoro, subsequently travelled to Moscow for negotiations.
Gowon disclosed that the Soviet Union supplied Nigeria with MiG-15 trainer aircraft and MiG-17 bombers, a move he described as a turning point in the conflict and the beginning of stronger diplomatic ties between both countries.
“The Soviet Union supplied us some MiG-15 trainers and MiG-17 bombers… which was a huge success,” he wrote.
Beyond Soviet assistance, Gowon revealed that a Lebanese businessman, Ali Jamal, played a critical role in helping Nigeria procure ammunition through international black-market channels at a time when the government lacked immediate funds.
According to Gowon, Jamal personally financed the purchase of military hardware and agreed to be reimbursed later without interest.
“With his support, we were able to get some of the hardware and the ammunition we needed to change the face of the war,” the former Head of State stated.
However, the arrangement reportedly triggered sharp disagreements within the Federal Executive Council after then Finance Commissioner Obafemi Awolowo objected to the payments, citing concerns over due process and extra-budgetary spending.
Gowon said he eventually overruled the objections using his executive powers, insisting the military situation required urgent action to safeguard troops and preserve the country.
Despite the disagreement, Gowon praised members of his administration for insisting on accountability and due process during wartime spending.
The autobiography spans 859 pages and 36 chapters, chronicling Gowon’s life from his early years in Plateau State through his military leadership, the Nigerian civil war, his removal from office in 1975, and his subsequent years in exile and academia.
The revelations provide fresh insight into the geopolitical pressures surrounding Nigeria’s civil war and underscore how Cold War rivalries shaped Africa’s largest nation during one of its most consequential conflicts.
