On September 4, 1968, Federal troops stormed and captured Aba, Biafra’s foremost industrial and trading center in a decisive push by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to military sources, the 3rd Marine Commando Division, under the command of Col. Benjamin Adekunle, entered the city at 2:00pm after encountering stiff resistance on the outskirts. By 4:00pm, the Nigerian flag was hoisted over Aba Town Hall.
The operation was part of “Operation OAU”, a renewed federal offensive aimed at cutting Biafran supply lines and bringing the 14-month civil war to an end.
Aba, often called the “Manchester of Nigeria,” is home to textile mills, shoe factories, breweries, and the busy Ariaria Market. Its capture severs a key road network linking Biafran forces to Port Harcourt and Umuahia.
A senior Army spokesman in Lagos described the takeover as “a heavy blow to the rebel economy and morale.”
Authorities report that most civilians had evacuated ahead of the assault. Troops have been ordered to secure hospitals, waterworks, and power stations.
In a brief broadcast tonight, Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon said: “The capture of Aba brings us one step closer to peace, unity, and the restoration of normal life for all Nigerians.”
Lagos Blue Line 13km Rail Begins Passenger Operations
On September 4, 2023, the 13-kilometre Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line officially began commercial passenger operations.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who flagged off the first commercial trip at the Marina Station, described the launch as “a new chapter in Lagos mobility” and the fulfilment of a 24-year dream.
The Blue Line, which runs from Marina to Mile 2, will operate 12 trips daily during the first phase.
Trains will run from 6:30am to 10:00am and 4:00pm to 9:00pm on weekdays, with an estimated travel time of 18 minutes end-to-end — a journey that currently takes over an hour by road.
Speaking to commuters before boarding, the governor said the rail line was designed to take 500,000 passengers daily at full capacity and reduce travel time, road accidents, and carbon emissions.
“Today we are not just opening a train. We are opening opportunities, jobs, and dignity for Lagosians. This Blue Line will move our people faster and give them back hours of their day,” Sanwo-Olu said.
