Obasanjo Underscores Disinformation’s Role in Nigerian Civil War, Parallels Drawn with Contemporary Conflicts
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Former President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a potent message at the Sixth Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium held at the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN), highlighting the insidious impact of disinformation during the 1967-1970 conflict. He argued that disinformation, propaganda, and the manipulation of narratives are frequently employed by weaker forces in asymmetric warfare to undermine their stronger adversaries. This tactic, he asserted, played a significant role in exacerbating tensions and shaping public opinion during the civil war, a pattern he sees mirrored in current conflicts involving insurgent groups in the northeast and other volatile regions of Nigeria.
Obasanjo emphasized the critical importance of studying history, particularly military history, to glean valuable lessons and apply them to contemporary challenges. Understanding the complexities of the past, he stated, is crucial for navigating the present and building a more equitable future for all Nigerians. He commended the AWCN for incorporating the study of the Nigerian Civil War into its curriculum, recognizing the value of educating operational-level leaders on the lessons learned from past campaigns for effective operational planning. The civil war, he noted, left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective memory and continues to shape its identity, offering profound insights into the nation’s past, present, and future.
The symposium, themed “The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War,” provided a platform for in-depth analysis of the conflict and its implications. Obasanjo’s remarks underscored the need for a deeper understanding of how disinformation and propaganda were employed during the war, and how these same tactics are being utilized by contemporary insurgent groups. He stressed the importance of effective media and information operations in conflict resolution and nation-building, arguing for a proactive and diligent approach to countering disinformation narratives in the present.
Major-General PE Eromosele, representing the Chief of Army Staff, echoed Obasanjo’s sentiments, highlighting the symposium’s significance in fostering intellectual capacity within the military. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to developing a combat-ready force, guided by informed leadership and strategic planning that aligns with current realities. This commitment to professional development and strategic analysis, he suggested, is essential for effectively addressing the challenges posed by disinformation and other contemporary security threats.
Major-General Umar Alkali, Commandant of the AWCN, explained that the symposium was specifically designed to enhance the intellectual and leadership skills of officers enrolled in the AWCN Course 9/2025. He praised the college for integrating the study of the civil war into its curriculum, enabling participants to dissect historical campaigns and extract practical lessons applicable to modern warfare. This approach, he emphasized, aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of building a combat-ready and professional force capable of fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities within a joint operational environment.
Alkali underscored the direct relevance of the symposium’s theme to contemporary military operations. Analyzing past military operations at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels, he argued, is crucial for understanding the evolving nature of warfare. By studying how disinformation shaped the Nigerian Civil War, he concluded, military leaders are better equipped to manage the information space in today’s battles, a critical component of successful military strategy in the 21st century. The symposium, therefore, served as a vital forum for examining the past to inform present and future military strategies, emphasizing the importance of historical analysis in navigating the complexities of modern conflicts.