Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has pointed out the significant role disinformation played during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
He made this remark on Wednesday in Abuja at the Sixth Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium, organised by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN).
Obasanjo noted that the symposium’s theme, “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War,” is especially relevant in today’s context of asymmetric warfare.
He explained that in such conflicts, disinformation, propaganda, psychological operations, and the spread of false narratives are commonly used by weaker forces to undermine and discredit stronger adversaries.
He said, “Disinformation played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, exacerbating tensions and influencing public opinion. The same strategy is currently being employed by the insurgents in the North-East and other violent groups in other parts of Nigeria. In line with the theme, the symposium will therefore highlight the importance of media and information operations in conflict resolution and nation-building.’’
Former President Obasanjo stressed the importance of Nigeria approaching the study of history—especially military history—with intentionality and diligence, in order to uncover and apply critical lessons.
He cited the popular saying, “A child that does not learn history will be told history,” emphasizing that a solid grasp of the past is essential for making informed decisions in the present and shaping a fairer future for all Nigerians.
Obasanjo also praised the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AWCN) for integrating the Nigerian Civil War into its curriculum, noting that this initiative will strengthen the ability of operational-level leaders to draw on historical experiences in planning and executing military operations.
He said, “This fratricidal conflict left an indelible mark on our nation’s collective memory and continues to shape our identity. The war’s complex causes, consequences and lessons offer valuable insights for us all.’’
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Maj.-Gen. P.E. Eromosele, described the symposium as a crucial avenue for fostering intellectual growth within the military.
Lt-Gen. Oluyede commended the relevance of the symposium’s theme to contemporary military operations and reaffirmed the army’s dedication to developing a combat-ready force underpinned by effective leadership and strategic insight.
Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, stated that the symposium was specifically designed to strengthen the intellectual and leadership capacities of officers participating in AWCN Course 9/2025.
He explained that the inclusion of civil war studies in the college curriculum was intentional, aimed at enabling officers to analyze historical campaigns and extract practical lessons.
Maj.-Gen. Alkali added that the theme of the symposium reflects the COAS’s command philosophy of building a professional and combat-ready force capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties in a joint operational environment.
“This symposium allows us to analyse past military operations at strategic, operational, and tactical levels. By understanding how disinformation shaped the Nigerian Civil War, we are better equipped to manage the information space in today’s battles,” he said.
Prof. Christopher Ogbogbo, Vice Chancellor of Admiralty University and guest lecturer, analyzed the impact of propaganda, media manipulation, and false narratives during the conflict.
He demonstrated how misinformation frequently influenced public opinion and guided policy decisions throughout the war.
