Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how disinformation significantly influenced the course of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), warning that similar tactics are being employed by insurgents today.
The elder statesman made these remarks on Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the Sixth Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium organized 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 and historians to examine information warfare strategies.
“Disinformation, propaganda, and psychological warfare were potent weapons during the civil war, often used by weaker forces to undermine stronger opponents,” Obasanjo stated. “These same tactics are now being deployed by insurgents in the northeast and other violent groups across Nigeria.”
The former military leader, who played a key role in ending the conflict, emphasized the enduring relevance of studying historical conflicts. Quoting a popular proverb, he noted: “A child that does not learn history will be told history,” stressing that understanding past conflicts helps navigate present challenges and build a better future.
Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Maj.-Gen. PE Eromosele, described the symposium as crucial for developing the military’s intellectual capacity. He affirmed the army’s commitment to building a combat-ready force through informed strategy and leadership.
AWCN Commandant Maj.-Gen. Umar Alkali explained that the civil war study forms part of the college’s curriculum to help officers extract practical lessons from historical campaigns. “By analyzing how disinformation shaped the civil war, we better prepare for today’s information battles,” he said.
Guest lecturer Prof. Christopher Ogbogbo, Vice Chancellor of Admiralty University, provided detailed analysis of wartime propaganda techniques, showing how false narratives influenced public opinion and policy decisions during the conflict.
The symposium comes as Nigeria faces multiple security challenges where misinformation has become a growing concern. Military leaders say the event’s insights will help counter modern asymmetric threats that increasingly exploit information warfare tactics.
