Nigerian Civil War

1967-07-06 - 1970-01-15

The Nigerian Civil War, also called the Biafran War, was fought from 6 July 1967 to 15 January 1970 between Nigeria and the secessionist Republic of Biafra, which had declared independence in 1967. Its causes included ethnic and political tensions, the 1966 military coups, and anti-Igbo pogroms in the north; Nigeria was led by General Yakubu Gowon and Biafra by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Federal forces defeated Biafra, and the conflict caused massive civilian suffering, including famine deaths.