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⁾

The Biafran flag, featuring a rising sun, remains a symbol of the secessionist movement.¹⁶⁾

The war had a lasting impact on Nigeria's political, social, and economic landscape.¹⁷⁾

The conflict highlighted the challenges of managing ethnic and regional diversity within the country.¹⁸⁾

The Nigerian government adopted a policy of “no victor, no vanquished” after the war, aimed at promoting national reconciliation.¹⁹⁾

The oil-rich Niger Delta region played a significant role in the conflict due to its economic importance.²⁰⁾

The war revealed the limitations of African unity and regional organizations in resolving internal conflicts.²¹⁾

Many prominent individuals, including Chinua Achebe, spoke out about the injustices and atrocities committed during the war.²²⁾

The Biafran War saw the involvement of various foreign powers through arms sales and diplomatic efforts.²³⁾

The war led to a significant refugee crisis, with displaced people seeking refuge within Nigeria and neighboring countries.²⁴⁾

After the war, efforts were made to rebuild the war-torn regions and reintegrate former Biafran soldiers into the Nigerian military.²⁵⁾

The conflict fueled the growth of a Nigerian diaspora as people fled the violence and sought opportunities abroad. ²⁶⁾

It marked a pivotal moment in African post-colonial history, shaping discussions on statehood, self-determination, and sovereignty.²⁷⁾

The war's aftermath spurred debates on the role of natural resources in fueling conflict and secessionist movements.²⁸⁾

Biafra's struggle for independence inspired other separatist movements across Africa.²⁹⁾

The conflict influenced literature, music, and art, giving rise to creative expressions of the war's impact on society.³⁰⁾