Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that disinformation was a major tool used during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970, worsening the conflict and shaping public opinion in damaging ways.
He made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja at the Sixth Edition of the Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium, organised by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN). The event focused on the theme, “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War.”
Obasanjo, who served as a senior military officer during the conflict, noted that the use of disinformation and propaganda is a common tactic in asymmetric warfare, where smaller forces try to mislead or weaken stronger opponents through false narratives and psychological tactics.
“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 northeast 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,” he said.
The former president also pointed out the need for Nigeria to invest in the study of its own history, especially military history. He said this would help present and future leaders to understand the roots of conflict and avoid repeating past mistakes.
He added, “a child that does not learn history will be told history,” noting that proper understanding of past events can help build a better and fairer nation.
Obasanjo commended the Army War College Nigeria for including the Nigerian Civil War in its curriculum, saying it would improve how military officers plan and respond to modern-day conflicts.
“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,” he said.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Maj.-Gen. P.E. Eromosele described the symposium as a key platform to strengthen the army’s intellectual strength. He noted that the theme is not only timely but also important for understanding today’s battles.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali, Commandant of AWCN, said the goal of the event was to help participants of Course 9/2025 grow in leadership and critical thinking. According to him, the civil war remains a useful case study in military strategy and the effects of information control.
“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.
Guest lecturer Prof. Christopher Ogbogbo, Vice Chancellor of Admiralty University, examined how false reports, propaganda, and manipulated media shaped views and influenced decision-making during the war. He said the lessons from that period are still relevant today as Nigeria continues to deal with misinformation in its ongoing security challenges.
