Gowon: Western Arms Embargo Forced Nigeria to Turn to Soviets and Lebanese Dealer

Yakubu Gowon reveals that after Enugu’s capture, US and UK arms embargo left Nigeria with only half a million rounds by late 1968. He ordered federal troops to hold positions rather than risk advancing without ammunition. He recounts meeting British and American envoys at the State House and warning he would seek help “from any devil” to keep Nigeria united. With no Western offers, he dispatched a team to Moscow and secured MiG-15 trainers and MiG-17 bombers. Still facing ammunition shortages, he turned to Lebanese businessman Ali Jamal, who financed interest-free arms supplies. After initial objections over procedure, Gowon invoked his authority and later reimbursed Jamal in full. These revelations appear in My Life of Duty and Allegiance, his newly launched autobiography unveiled in Abuja, which spans his upbringing, military rule, the civil war and years in exile.

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