The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, took place from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970. The conflict arose from tensions between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria, which were exacerbated by ethnic, political, and economic disparities.

Background
Colonial Legacy: Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960. The country was a patchwork of different ethnic groups with the largest being the Hausa-Fulani in the north, the Yoruba in the west, and the Igbo in the east.
Political Tensions: After independence, political power struggles among these groups intensified. The first coup in January 1966, led predominantly by Igbo officers, resulted in the assassination of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa and other northern leaders, causing unrest in the north.
Counter-Coup and Massacres: A counter-coup in July 1966, led by northern officers, resulted in the killing of the then military leader Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi and escalated ethnic violence, particularly against the Igbo in the north, leading to a mass exodus of Igbos back to the eastern region.
Declaration of Biafra
On May 30, 1967, Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, the military governor of the Eastern Region, declared the secession of the Republic of Biafra, citing the need to protect the Igbo people from persecution.
The War
Outbreak: The Nigerian government, led by General Yakubu Gowon, opposed the secession and launched a military campaign to reunite the country. The war officially began on July 6, 1967.
Military Campaigns: The conflict saw significant battles, including the sieges of cities like Port Harcourt and Enugu, and offensives such as the "Operation OAU" and "Operation Hiroshima."
Humanitarian Crisis: The war led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Blockades and military campaigns resulted in widespread famine and disease in Biafra. Images of starving children drew international attention and humanitarian aid, though not enough to alleviate the suffering completely.
International Involvement
Support for Nigeria: The Nigerian government received support from the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union, among others.
Support for Biafra: Biafra received some support from France, Israel, and various non-governmental organizations, but it was insufficient to turn the tide of the war.
End of the War
Surrender: After nearly three years of fighting, Biafran forces were overwhelmed. On January 15, 1970, Biafran leader Ojukwu fled to the Ivory Coast, and Biafra formally surrendered to Nigeria.
Aftermath: The war left deep scars on Nigeria. It is estimated that between one and three million people died, most from starvation. The Nigerian government adopted a policy of "no victor, no vanquished," and efforts were made to reintegrate the Biafran territories and people into Nigeria.
Legacy
The Nigerian Civil War had lasting impacts on the country's political and social landscape. It highlighted the deep ethnic divisions within Nigeria, which continue to influence its politics. The war also underscored the challenges of nation-building in a post-colonial African context.

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