Obasanjo Warns of Disinformation’s Role in Civil War and Ongoing Threats
On June 4, 2025, former President Olusegun Obasanjo addressed the sixth edition of the Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium, organized by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) in Abuja. He emphasized that disinformation significantly contributed to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and continues to be a tool employed by insurgents in the country today.
Obasanjo highlighted that during the civil war, propaganda and false narratives exacerbated tensions and influenced public opinion, serving as strategic tools for weaker forces in asymmetric warfare. He noted that similar tactics are currently used by insurgents in the North-East and other violent groups across Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of studying history, particularly military history, to learn valuable lessons that can aid in conflict resolution and nation-building. Obasanjo commended the AWCN for incorporating the study of the Nigerian Civil War into its curriculum, enhancing the operational awareness and planning skills of military leaders.
The symposium featured discussions on the role of disinformation in the civil war, with experts analyzing how misinformation shaped public perception and policy decisions during the conflict. The event underscored the need for informed public discourse and education to counter the ongoing threat of disinformation in Nigeria.
