In an an interview with Daily Trust, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, a journalist and politician, recounted how his journey into the army began after his best friend, who had enlisted immediately after their academic session in Nsukka (UNN) in 1966, was killed in the civil war.

“My best friend, who joined the army immediately the session ended in Nsukka, was killed and I said I had to get into the army. That was how I went to the School of Infantry,” he said.

He stated that he received six weeks of training at the School of Infantry and was subsequently posted to the 40th Battalion, Platoon 7 of C Company, 55 Brigade, stationed in the Afikpo area.

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He mentioned that the experience was exciting, although they lacked proper equipment. Ugochukwu noted that some platoons had as few as 10 guns for 30 soldiers, with many of the weapons being outdated, originating from World War I and II.

He also described how some soldiers carried rattles instead of firearms, hoping that the sound could create the illusion of gunfire, even though they knew it would not fool the enemy. The situation was dire, and soldiers often waited for a comrade to fall in battle to seize his weapon.

Despite these challenges, Ugochukwu’s leadership qualities led to his rapid promotion. He was unexpectedly elevated from under-officer to full lieutenant, a rare double promotion.

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He stated that he was shot during his time on the front lines, with a bullet passing through his leg and his thumb being severed. Although the injury sidelined him temporarily, he was later appointed as the adjutant of the 40th Battalion.

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