Nigerian Civil War

The Nigerian Civil War was fought from 1967 to 1970 between Nigeria’s federal government and the secessionist Republic of Biafra. It ended with Biafra’s surrender and reintegration into Nigeria.

1966 Nigerian coup d'état: A January 1966 military coup that overthrew Nigeria’s civilian government and killed senior political and military leaders. The coup destabilized federal rule and helped set off the crises preceding secession.
Operation UNICORD: The Nigerian federal military campaign to defeat Biafra during the civil war. Its campaigns drove Biafran forces from much of the territory they initially controlled.
Yakubu Gowon: Nigeria’s head of state from 1966 to 1975 and commander-in-chief during the civil war. He led the federal government’s war effort and announced a policy of reconciliation after victory.
Biafran famine: A catastrophic food crisis in Biafra during the civil war that caused mass civilian deaths, especially among children. The famine became the war’s most widely reported humanitarian catastrophe.
Declaration of Biafran independence: The proclamation of the Republic of Biafra’s independence from Nigeria on 30 May 1967. This act marked the formal beginning of the secession that triggered war.
1966 Nigerian counter-coup: A July 1966 military coup that brought Yakubu Gowon to power and killed several senior officers, including Aguiyi-Ironsi. Its reprisals intensified regional mistrust within Nigeria’s armed forces.
Nigerian blockade of Biafra: The federal government’s blockade that restricted food and other supplies entering Biafran-held territory. The blockade contributed to severe shortages and mass starvation.
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu: The military governor of Nigeria’s Eastern Region who led Biafra as its head of state. His decision to declare independence set Biafra’s war for secession in motion.
International Committee of the Red Cross: A humanitarian organization that provides protection and assistance to people affected by armed conflict. Its relief operations in Biafra exposed tensions over access, neutrality, and humanitarian action.
Battle of Nsukka: A 1967 battle in which federal forces captured Nsukka, a university town in Biafra’s territory. Its loss demonstrated the rapid federal advance into Biafra early in the war.

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