“Brigadier Archong” (also referred to as Colonel Charlie Archibong) was a prominent Biafran commander during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), known for his bravery and key role in the Biafran invasion of the Midwest region.

Key Activities During the War

Midwest Invasion Commander: Colonel Archibong was the lead commander of the Biafran forces that invaded Nigeria’s Midwest region on August 9, 1967. His orders were to advance rapidly through the West and capture Dodan Barracks in Lagos within 48 hours. The advance was halted by a controversial retreat order from Brigadier Victor Banjo at Ore, which ultimately led to the failure of the offensive.

Ojukwu blamed himself for not letting achuzie or Charlie archibong lead the troops to capture Nigeria capital city Lagos after the Biafran capital city Enugu was attacked by the Nigerian, even after Charlie archibong territory fell to the Nigerian military Charlie archibong and his people mostly lead to lay a deadly ambush against the Nigerian army in Calabar and akwa ibom and pH and this action Also lead to the killing of innocent civilians by Nigeria army not only Asaba experienced massacred south south of today veteran can testify

Key Biafran Fighter: Archibong was considered one of General Odumegwu Ojukwu’s most trusted and gallant fighters. He was known by the nickname “Charlie Bazooka” and was respected for his zeal and determination.

Further Action: After the Midwest campaign, he saw more action around Ikot Ekpene.

Disappearance/Death: Archibong was reported missing after an officer-led reconnaissance operation, and his command headquarters waited in vain for his return. Sources suggest he may have been killed through internal sabotage within Biafra.

Archibong is remembered as a significant figure in the Biafran military, often appearing in historical photos alongside Ojukwu as a “war hero.

Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai says Nigerians across all regions remain strongly committed to the unity of the country, insisting that no group is currently considering secession.

Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Yakasai said the idea of breaking up Nigeria has long been abandoned by those who once championed it.

He noted that while opinions may differ on national issues, there is a shared resolve to maintain Nigeria as one indivisible nation. According to him, the country has moved past the era when separatist agitations threatened its stability.

“Some will think this way and others will think otherwise,” he said. “But by and large, what I’m happy about is that all the people in Nigeria today are committed to Nigeria as a single country. There’s no part of Nigeria or section of the Nigerian people who are now thinking of dividing the country or breaking away.”

Yakasai added that groups which once attempted to leave have since reconsidered and embraced unity. “An attempt was made. Those who made the attempt later realized it was a f++lish idea and they already gave it up. They reconciled themselves with the reality of the situation,” he said.

He stressed that Nigerians now coexist peacefully, regardless of past divisions. “Since then we’ve been living together, both those who wanted Nigeria to remain one and those who wanted to leave Nigeria, as brothers and sisters. Nobody is thinking of leaving Nigeria.”

His remarks come amid ongoing national debates on restructuring, governance, and inclusion, but Yakasai maintained that these issues have not shaken Nigerians’ commitment to the country’s unity.

Authorities in the Republic of Niger have introduced new restrictions on goods entering the country from Nigeria, a move they say is driven by growing security concerns across the Sahel.

• Niger’s military government has ordered mandatory inspections for all goods entering from Nigeria.
• The directive targets miscellaneous cargo, which must now be offloaded at designated entry points.
• The move follows fresh security concerns, including a failed coup attempt in Benin.
• Nigeria denies claims that its military aircraft violated Burkina Faso’s airspace.