The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, lasted from 1967 to 1970.¹⁾

It was fought between the Nigerian government, led by the Federal Military Government (FMG), and the secessionist state of Biafra in southeastern Nigeria.²⁾

The war was primarily caused by ethnic, political, and economic tensions between the Igbo people, who were concentrated in the southeastern region, and the rest of Nigeria.³⁾

The leader of the secessionist state of Biafra was Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.⁴⁾

The main trigger for the war was the declaration of independence by Biafra in May 1967.⁵⁾

The Nigerian government's attempts to reclaim Biafra led to a full-scale conflict.⁶⁾

The war resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, with estimates ranging from hundreds of thousands to over a million casualties.⁷⁾

It's considered one of Africa's bloodiest conflicts.⁸⁾

The war was marked by both conventional military battles and instances of guerrilla warfare.⁹⁾

The international community largely recognized Nigeria's sovereignty, contributing to Biafra's isolation.¹⁰⁾

The Nigerian government imposed a blockade on Biafra, leading to severe food and medical shortages.¹¹⁾

The war received media coverage worldwide, drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in Biafra.¹²⁾

The term “starvation as a weapon of war” was used to describe the Nigerian government's strategy during the conflict.¹³⁾

Relief efforts, including campaigns led by international celebrities, aimed to provide aid to the starving population in Biafra.¹⁴⁾

The war ended in 1970 with Biafra's surrender, and the region was reintegrated into Nigeria.¹⁵⁾