Nigerian Civil War

Explore the turbulent chapters of the Nigerian Civil War on OldNaija. Uncover the causes, battles, and profound impact of this significant conflict. Join us as we delve into the historical narratives, key figures, and the enduring lessons learned from this critical period in Nigeria’s history.

Operation Unicord: The Battle and Capture of Nsukka in July 1967
On May 30, 1967, Chukwuemeka Ojukwu made the official declaration of secession for the Eastern Region from Nigeria, proclaiming the…
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Slogans, Nicknames and Operational Names Associated with the Nigerian Civil War
It is common for every war/conflict to have its peculiar nickname and unique vocabulary used during its course. For example,…
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Abagana Ambush: How Biafran Army Killed Over 500 Nigerian Troops in One Attack
The Abagana Ambush of March 31st 1968 is one out of the many confrontations between Nigerian and Biafran troops during…
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Asaba Massacre: How Hundreds of Asaba People Were Killed In 1967
In August 1967, two months before the Asaba massacre, a division of the seceded Eastern Region (Biafra) army led by…
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The Nigerian Civil War: Why and How It Happened (1967-1970)
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War or the Nigerian-Biafran War, broke out between the Federal Republic…
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5 Historical Riots/Wars In Nigeria That Almost Destroyed the Country
Various factors have stirred up conflicts among ethnic, religious and political groups in Nigeria. Religious, political and ethnic nationalism have…
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Photos from General Yakubu Gowon’s Wedding in 1969
On the 19th of April, 1969, Major-General Yakubu Gowon who as at then was Nigeria’s Head of State got married…
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Who Killed Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu?
Major Kaduna Nzeogwu’s Grave A Grim Anniversary Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu died in the final week of July 1967. While…
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January 8 Nigeria’s History: Ojukwu Fled to Ivory Coast Amidst War
On this day, 8th of January, 1970, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, leader of the breakaway Republic of Biafra, fled into exile…
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Victor Banjo’s Touching Letter To Aguiyi-Ironsi From Ikot Ekpene Prison
Who Was Victor Banjo And What Landed Him In Prison? Lt. Colonel Victor Banjo was a gallant Nigerian military officer…
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Narrating the Nigerian Civil War Through Chilling Photos
War is what happens when language fails. 21st May 1968: John Downing-Tractor, a company rep, and William Blakeley, a marine…
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Ojukwu’s Letter to Victor Banjo Commanding Him to Invade Western Region
Below is the letter the Commander in Chief of the Biafran Armed Forces, Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu wrote to Lt.…
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Major Kaduna Nzeogwu’s Last Interview Before His Death
Below is Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu's last interview with Mr Dennis Ejindu of 'Africa and the World' a few months…
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Ojukwu’s Secession Speech Declaring the Republic of Biafra on May 30 1967
On May 30, 1967, prior to the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war/the Biafran war, the military governor of the Eastern…
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Aburi Accord- The Meeting of Two Elephants
The Aburi Accord (agreement) was reached in 1967 in Aburi, Ghana, by the Supreme Military Council (Federal Government delegates) and…
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