Midwest Invasion of 1967

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Midwest Invasion of 1967
Part of Biafran War
The approximate lines of attack used by the Biafran forces in red during the Midwest Invasion of 1967
Date August 9 – October 1967 (1 month, 1 week and 4 days) Location Mid-Western Region, Nigeria Now Edo and Delta States, Nigeria Result Nigerian victory
Belligerents
Nigeria	Biafra Republic of Benin (September 19–20)
Commanders and leaders
Murtala Muhammed Benjamin Adekunle	Odumegwu Ojukwu Victor Banjo Festus Akagha Humphrey Chukwuka Mike Inveso Albert Okonkwo
Strength
Initially: 300+ Total: several divisions	Initially: 3,000 100 trucks Total: 7,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	2,000

The Midwest Invasion of 1967 or Midwest Offensive, codenamed Operation Torch,^[1] was a military operation between Nigerian and Biafran military forces during the Nigerian Civil War. The invasion began on August 9 when 3,000 Biafran soldiers led by General Victor Banjo crossed the River Niger Bridge into Asaba. Upon reaching Agbor, the Biafrans split up. With the 12th Battalion moving west capturing Benin City and Ore, the 18th Battalion swung south, taking Warri, Sapele and Ughelli, while the 13th Battalion headed north for Auchi, Agenebode and Okene. Simultaneously, a plot to capture Mid-Western Governor David Ejoor at his home in Benin failed. Nevertheless, the Biafrans, meeting virtually no resistance, had seized the entire Mid-Western Region in less than 12 hours.^[2]

Plans were drawn for the 12th Battalion to continue its advance towards Lagos and Ibadan. However, it was cripplingly delayed due to arguments between Ojukwu and Victor Banjo on whom to appoint as governor of the Mid-West, giving Gowon enough time to assemble a defensive line in the west. Also, during the occupation there was widespread hostility between native Urhobo-Isoko, Ijoid and Itsekiri people against the occupying Igbo soldiers. Igbo and native militia groups launched hit and run and reprisal raids against each other. In an attempt to ease tension, Ojukwu proclaimed the Republic of Benin (1967) under governor Albert Okonkwo on September 19, only for Nigerian troops to enter Benin the next day on the 20th, ending the new republic's 24 hour span.

The Biafran situation rapidly deteriorated following a Nigerian attack by Murtala Muhammed's 2nd Division at Ore, forcing the Biafrans to immediately retreat. In a large pincer movement, another Nigerian force headed south from Auchi towards Benin, as Benjamin Adekunle's 3rd Marine Commando division landed at Warri and promptly took Ughelli and Sapele. Benin was liberated in a three pronged attack from North, West and South which met little resistance. Biafran troops that were able to retreat fled across the Niger River Bridge into Biafra, destroying it afterwards. Those that were cut off abandoned their weaponry and uniforms and blended into the civilian population until it was safe to return east.^[2]

The Biafran retreat from Ore is considered the turning point of the war.