Landslides constitute one of the most destructive geomorphic processes, exerting far-reaching socio-economic and environmental impacts in susceptible regions worldwide. The frequency and magnitude of landslide occurrences have increased significantly in recent decades, driven by evolving climatic patterns and intensifying anthropogenic interventions on environmentally sensitive terrains. This study is aimed at a GIS based landslide susceptibility mapping of Onitsha north local government area, Anambra State Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to; identify and characterize the key physical factors contributing to landslide occurrences in Onitsha Metropolis; evaluate and rank these factors according to their level of influence; systematically classify the factors into distinct levels of susceptibility and delineate and map the landslide-susceptible areas within Onitsha Metropolis. The methodology incorporated seven conditioning factors: slope, elevation, rainfall, aspect, soil, curvature and geology. Spatial datasets were standardized, reclassified, and weighted using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to produce a composite landslide susceptibility index. The results generated through Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) analysis delineated four risk zones: Very Low Risk, Low Risk, Moderate Risk and High Risk. The landslide susceptibility analysis showed that very low-risk zones constituted only 0.36% (0.147 km²) of Onitsha Metropolis, primarily located on flat valley bottoms and depositional surfaces where slope-driven processes are minimal. Low-risk zones covered 45.40% (18.747 km²), occurring on gently undulating terrain with limited slope-induced gravitational forces, offering relative safety for development when supported by proper drainage and slope management. Moderate-risk zones accounted for the largest proportion, covering 50.82% (20.985 km²). These areas, found on transitional slopes and concave landforms, are moderately stable but prone to landslides under persistent rainfall or anthropogenic alteration. High-risk zones spanned 3.42% (1.414 km²), concentrated along steep slopes and poorly drained hill flanks characterized by topographic instability. Spatial overlay with settlement areas revealed that GRA, Okpoko, Army Barracks, and Nkwelle were located within very high-risk zones, necessitating urgent mitigation measures. Conversely, Trans Nkisi, Umuaroli, Omogba, Fegge, and Odoakpu were situated in moderate-risk zones, where preventive land-use planning and slope monitoring are recommended.