On August 9, 1967, no fewer than 3,000 Biafran soldiers crossed the River Niger at Asaba and pushed into the Mid-Western Region, marking the first major Biafran incursion outside the Eastern Region since the civil war began in July. According to military sources, the troops, moving in trucks and amphibious vehicles, overran the federal garrison at Asaba before advancing westward along the Benin-Asaba road. Sources further disclosed that Biafran units had taken control of key areas including Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, and were reported approaching the outskirts of Benin City, the regional capital. The broadcast urged residents of the Mid-West to remain calm and cooperate with advancing forces. The Supreme Military Council announced a state of emergency in the Mid-Western Region and ordered reinforcements to move from Lagos and the Western Region to contain the advance.