By Atoyebi Nike
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says false information made the Nigerian Civil War worse. He spoke at the Nigerian Civil War Symposium in Abuja on Wednesday.
The event was held by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN). The focus was on how disinformation shaped the war.
Obasanjo said propaganda, lies, and mind games helped prolong the war. He warned these same tactics now fuel terrorism in Nigeria.
He said smaller forces often use disinformation to weaken stronger ones. According to him, this tactic works in asymmetric warfare, like Nigeria faces now.
He called the symposium’s theme timely. “Disinformation fueled the war and still causes damage,” he said.
Obasanjo fought in the war as a federal commander. He said Nigerians must study history to avoid past mistakes.
He praised AWCN for including the war in officer training. He said this helps future leaders plan better.
“The war left scars. Its lessons can help fix today’s problems,” he said.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Olufemi Oluyede, was represented by Major-General P.E. Eromosele. He said the event helps sharpen military thinking.
He agreed the topic fits the army’s goal: building a ready and informed force.
AWCN Commandant, Major-General Umar Alkali, said the symposium improves officers’ leadership skills. He said studying old wars helps prevent new ones.
“We must learn how false stories affected the war,” Alkali said.
Guest speaker, Prof. Christopher Ogbogbo of Admiralty University, explained how lies shaped opinions during the war. He said propaganda changed both public views and government action.
The event brought together officers, historians, and experts. They all agreed: understanding past conflicts and the role of lies is key to protecting Nigeria today.
