The Spectre of Disinformation: Revisiting the Nigerian Civil War and its Lessons for Modern Conflict
Abuja, Nigeria – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a stark warning about the insidious power of disinformation in warfare, drawing parallels between its role in the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) and the ongoing struggles against insurgency in the North East and other parts of the country. Speaking at the Sixth Edition of the Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium, organized by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), Obasanjo emphasized the need to understand the manipulative tactics employed by weaker forces to undermine their adversaries in asymmetric conflicts. He highlighted how disinformation, propaganda, and the spread of false narratives were instrumental in exacerbating tensions and swaying public opinion during the civil war, a strategy that continues to be employed by insurgent groups today. The symposium, aptly themed "The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War," served as a timely reminder of the enduring relevance of historical analysis in navigating contemporary security challenges.
Obasanjo stressed the critical importance of studying history, especially military history, to extract valuable lessons and prevent their recurrence. He underscored the need for a diligent and deliberate approach to understanding the past, arguing that it serves as a compass for navigating the present and building a more equitable future for all Nigerians. The former president commended the AWCN for incorporating the study of the Nigerian Civil War into its curriculum, recognizing the importance of equipping operational-level leaders with the knowledge and analytical skills to apply historical insights to contemporary operational planning. He characterized the civil war as a "fratricidal conflict" that left an indelible scar on the nation’s collective memory and continues to shape its identity. Understanding the complex web of causes, consequences, and lessons embedded within this tragic chapter of Nigerian history, he argued, remains crucial for fostering national unity and preventing future conflicts.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments, emphasizing the symposium’s crucial role as a platform for fostering intellectual capacity within the military. Represented by Major General PE Eromosele, Oluyede lauded the symposium’s theme for its direct relevance to ongoing military operations. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to building a combat-ready force grounded in sound leadership and informed strategic thinking. This commitment, he suggested, necessitates a thorough understanding of historical precedents and the evolving nature of warfare, particularly in the age of information dominance and manipulation. The army’s focus, therefore, remains on developing both the tactical prowess and the intellectual agility of its officers to effectively counter emerging threats.
Major General Umar Alkali, Commandant of the AWCN, further elaborated on the symposium’s objectives, highlighting its design to enhance the intellectual and leadership capabilities of officers enrolled in the AWCN Course 9/2025. He explained that the deliberate inclusion of the Nigerian Civil War in the curriculum was aimed at enabling participants to dissect historical campaigns and extract practical lessons applicable to contemporary operational challenges. Alkali underscored the alignment of the symposium’s theme with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy, which centers on building a combat-ready and professional force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint operational environment. This philosophy recognizes the interconnectedness of different branches of the military and the importance of cohesive action in addressing complex security threats.
The symposium’s focus on disinformation, Alkali explained, provides a crucial lens for analyzing past military operations at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. By gaining a deeper understanding of how disinformation shaped the course of the Nigerian Civil War, contemporary military leaders can be better equipped to manage the information space in today’s battles, where narratives and perceptions often play as significant a role as physical force. This emphasis on information warfare reflects the changing dynamics of modern conflict and the increasing need for military strategists to grapple with the complexities of information manipulation and its impact on public opinion, troop morale, and operational effectiveness. The AWCN’s proactive approach to incorporating these dimensions into its curriculum demonstrates a commitment to preparing future military leaders for the multifaceted challenges of 21st-century warfare.
Professor Christopher Ogbogbo, Vice Chancellor of Admiralty University and the symposium’s guest lecturer, delivered a detailed analysis of the pervasive role of propaganda, media manipulation, and false narratives during the Nigerian Civil War. He provided specific examples of how misinformation often shaped public perception and influenced policy decisions during the conflict, underscoring the devastating consequences of unchecked propaganda. Ogbogbo’s presentation highlighted the need for critical media literacy and the development of robust mechanisms for verifying information, particularly in times of conflict. His insights offered valuable lessons not only for military strategists but also for policymakers, journalists, and the public at large, emphasizing the shared responsibility of combating disinformation and fostering a more informed and resilient society. The symposium, in its entirety, served as a crucial reminder of the enduring power of disinformation and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to counter its insidious influence in both warfare and peacetime.