How an Ogbunigwe Shell Nearly Took My Life – Babangida Recalls Civil War Horror

Former Nigerian military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has shared a harrowing account of his near-death experience during the Nigerian Civil War. In his newly released book, *A Journey in Service*, Babangida recounts how his command, the 82 Battalion, came under intense bombardment from Biafran forces on March 27, 1969, with a shell from the infamous Ogbunigwe nearly costing him his life.

According to Babangida, federal troops had shifted their focus to Umuahia after the initial attempt to capture the city by the Third Marine Commando had failed. Lieutenant Colonel Theophilus Danjuma was then assigned the task by Colonel Shuwa and commenced the offensive just days before the fateful bombardment. As a Major at the time, Babangida commanded the 82 Battalion, one of seven battalions deployed to take Umuahia. To reach their target, they had to pass through Uzuakoli, a town just 13 kilometers away. On March 27, as they advanced, they were met with relentless artillery fire from the Biafran forces.

Despite the heavy resistance, Babangida and his men managed to hold their ground and push forward. By April 1, the 82nd Battalion successfully captured Uzuakoli, but the victory came at a high cost. Recognizing the strategic significance of the town, Biafran artillery intensified their shelling. The Nigerian troops’ counterattacks failed to deter the Biafran forces, and it was in the midst of this fierce battle that Babangida was wounded by an Ogbunigwe shell. The shrapnel struck the left side of his chest, narrowly missing his lung.

Babangida recalled that, in the immediate aftermath, he did not realize he had been hit. The chaos of battle, combined with adrenaline, masked the injury. However, he soon smelled burning flesh and, upon touching his chest, discovered blood oozing from the wound. A sudden, numbing pain spread through his body, and as his legs gave way, he fell. Command of his battalion was then transferred to his colleague, Mamman Vatsa.

His evacuation was complicated by the approaching nightfall and the lack of proper landing infrastructure. In a desperate measure, military vehicles with their headlights on were used to create an improvised runway. Once the necessary arrangements were in place, Babangida was airlifted to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, for urgent medical treatment.

Despite the severe injury, Babangida remained conscious throughout the ordeal. He described his state of mind as remarkably composed, though he acknowledged that the experience was a defining moment in his life. While he never felt he was on the brink of death, he understood that the injury would leave a lasting impact on him.