Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has attributed the outbreak and escalation of the Nigerian Civil War to widespread disinformation, warning that similar tactics are still being deployed by insurgents across the country today.
Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the sixth edition of the annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium, organised by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) in Abuja. The event, themed “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War,” brought together military leaders, scholars, and policymakers.
“Disinformation played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, exacerbating tensions and influencing public opinion,” the former president said, referencing the conflict that lasted from 1967 to 1970. “The same strategy is currently being employed by insurgents in the Northeast and other violent groups in different parts of Nigeria.”
Obasanjo stressed the need for a deliberate study of history—especially military history—to extract lessons that can guide current and future national decisions. Quoting an African proverb, he warned, “A child that does not learn history will be told history.”
He also commended the Army War College for incorporating the study of the civil war into its curriculum, describing it as a crucial step in equipping operational-level military leaders with historical insights that can enhance strategic planning.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the symposium, Maj.-Gen. P. E. Eromosele described the event as an important platform for intellectual development within the armed forces. He praised the relevance of the theme to ongoing military operations and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to building a combat-ready force anchored on strong leadership and informed strategy.
The symposium is part of the Army War College’s broader efforts to draw practical lessons from past conflicts and apply them in strengthening Nigeria’s defense and national security framework.
