At the Sixth Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium in Abuja, former President Olusegun Obasanjo highlighted the significant role disinformation played in deepening divisions and influencing public sentiment during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970. Speaking at the event organized by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Obasanjo stressed that the symposium’s theme, “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War,” remains highly pertinent, especially in today’s environment of asymmetric warfare.
Obasanjo explained that during the civil war, disinformation, propaganda, psychological warfare, and the spread of false narratives were tactics used by weaker forces to undermine stronger ones. He warned that insurgents in Nigeria’s Northeast and other violent groups continue to use these strategies to destabilize the country.
“Disinformation was a major factor in the civil war. It heightened divisions and swayed public sentiment,” Obasanjo said. He called for a deliberate and diligent study of military history to extract lessons that can help Nigeria navigate current challenges and build a more equitable future. He quoted the saying, “a child that does not learn history will be told history,” underscoring the importance of historical awareness.
Obasanjo lauded the Army War College Nigeria for including the Nigerian Civil War in its curriculum to enhance the capacity of military leaders to apply lessons from past campaigns in operational planning. He described the civil war as a fratricidal conflict that left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s collective memory and identity.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, represented by Major General P.E. Eromosele, praised the symposium as a critical forum for intellectual development within the military. He emphasized the relevance of the theme to current military operations and reiterated the army’s commitment to building a professional and combat-ready force.
Major General Umar Alkali, Commandant of AWCN, noted that the symposium is part of efforts to strengthen the strategic thinking and leadership skills of officers enrolled in Course 9/2025. He highlighted that understanding how disinformation influenced the civil war equips officers to better manage today’s information warfare.
Guest lecturer Professor Christopher Ogbogbo, Vice Chancellor of Admiralty University, provided an in-depth analysis of propaganda, media manipulation, and false narratives during the civil war, illustrating how misinformation shaped public perception and policy.
The symposium serves as a vital educational platform to reflect on Nigeria’s turbulent past and prepare military leaders for contemporary security challenges.