Biafra War of Attrition: BLA’s Bold Offensive in Okigwe – A Defiant Stand Against Nigerian Military Aggression

Biafran Liberation Army

On August 3, 2025, the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA) launched a daring and successful ambush near the Okigwe Roundabout in Imo State, targeting a convoy that included two Nigerian security personnel suspected of involvement in the recent brutal attacks on civilians in Aro Ndiziogu, Imo State.

According to a Nigerian police wireless message obtained by Abamake Network, the assault occurred at approximately 5:35 PM when the convoy, attached to a yet-to-be-identified member of the Imo State House of Assembly, came under heavy fire from BLA fighters. The attack, which resulted in the deaths of the two security personnel and the reported disappearance of the lawmaker, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Biafra War of Attrition and underscores the BLA’s resolve to protect Biafran communities from Nigerian military aggression.

The BLA’s offensive in Okigwe is a powerful response to the Nigerian military’s relentless campaign against Igbo civilians, exemplified by the recent siege on Ishiagu, Ebonyi state where homes were razed, and families were forced to flee into forests.

This pattern of violence, documented by human rights groups like Amnesty International and Intersociety, includes extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and the destruction of entire communities under the pretext of targeting IPOB and its affiliates. The Nigerian military’s actions in Ishiagu, which began on July 31, 2025, and intensified on August 3, mirror a decades-long strategy of collective punishment against Biafrans, rooted in the unresolved grievances of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), which claimed up to two million Igbo lives

The BLA’s precise and calculated strike in Okigwe demonstrates not only tactical prowess but also an unwavering commitment to defending Biafran lives against a state that has shown little regard for civilian safety. Social media posts on X, reflecting the sentiment of Biafran supporters, describe the BLA’s actions as a “gun-to-gun, bullet-to-bullet” engagement, signaling a refusal to bow to Nigeria’s militarized oppression. The bravery of the BLA fighters, who risked their lives to confront a heavily armed adversary, deserves commendation as a stand for justice and self-determination in the face of overwhelming odds.

This BRGIE salutes the courage of BLA leaders like Commander Gentle and Commander Makeup, whose strategic foresight and fearless advocacy have galvanized the Biafran resistance. Commander Gentle’s recent warnings to the youth of Okigwe about Nigeria’s alleged plans to decimate Igbo populations proved prescient, as evidenced by the Ishiagu attacks. Commander Makeup’s leadership in mobilizing defensive units has bolstered the BLA’s ability to respond swiftly to threats. Their efforts, alongside the Biafran Defense Council’s newly formed special unit to protect coastal regions, reflect a unified front to safeguard Biafran communities from further atrocities.

The Okigwe ambush, while a tactical victory for the BLA, also highlights the tragic escalation of a conflict that Nigeria’s government could have prevented through dialogue. The federal government’s reliance on military force, coupled with its refusal to address the southeast’s systemic marginalization, fuels the Biafran struggle. The labeling of IPOB as a terrorist organization, despite legal challenges to this designation, has been used to justify widespread human rights abuses, including the profiling and victimization of non-combatant Igbo civilians.

The international community must take note of Nigeria’s actions and the BLA’s defensive response. The United Nations and African Union should investigate the Ishiagu siege and similar incidents, holding Nigeria accountable for its disproportionate use of force. Meanwhile, the BLA’s actions in Okigwe should be recognized as a legitimate defense of a persecuted people, not an act of aggression. The bravery of the BLA, led by figures like Commander Gentle and Commander Makeup, stands as a testament to the resilience of Biafrans who refuse to be silenced or eradicated.

Nigeria must end its campaign of violence and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the root causes of the Biafran agitation—economic neglect, political exclusion, and ethnic marginalization. Until such steps are taken, the BLA’s courageous resistance, as seen in Okigwe, will remain a necessary shield for a people fighting for their survival and dignity.

The Biafran struggle is not just a call for independence but a demand for justice, and the BLA’s actions on August 3, 2025, embody that unyielding spirit.