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2024-04-01 06:36:56

Nigerian Civil War

Nigerian Civil War - Biafran War
Nigerian Civil War - Biafran War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was fought between Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra from 1967 to 1970. It stemmed from political, economic, and ethnic tensions, resulting in mass casualties and starvation.
1914
Colonial Amalgamation of Nigeria
The colonial amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 combined the Northern Protectorate, Lagos Colony, and Southern Nigeria Protectorate, leading to tensions due to cultural and religious differences among the diverse population.
1945
Ethnic Riot in Jos
In 1945, an ethnic riot erupted in Jos, Nigeria, where Northerners attacked Easterners, resulting in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property, reflecting simmering ethnic tensions in the country.
1953
Riot in Kano
In 1953, a riot occurred in Kano, Nigeria.
1960-10-01
Independence of Nigeria
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, becoming a sovereign nation. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa served as the first federal prime minister, while Nnamdi Azikiwe assumed the role of the president of the Senate.
1963-10-01
Nigeria becomes a Republic
On October 1, 1963, Nigeria transitioned into a republic with Nnamdi Azikiwe as its president. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the prime minister, retained significant political influence despite the change in the country's political structure.
1964
Western Region divided during political crisis
In 1964, the Western Region of Nigeria was divided during a political crisis between Ladoke Akintola and Obafemi Awolowo, with reports of fraud tarnishing the election's legitimacy.
1966-01-15
First Military Coup in Nigeria
A group of army majors, led by Kaduna Nzeogwu and Emmanuel Ifeajuna, execute Nigeria's first military coup which ended the First Republic. The coup plotters were mostly Igbo and the victims included Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa and other northerners.
1966-01-16
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi declared Head of State
On January 16, 1966, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi was declared Head of State of Nigeria. Despite his efforts in suppressing a coup, his Igbo ethnicity fueled suspicions in the northern region that the coup aimed to eliminate their political influence.
1966-01-17
Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu appointed Military Governor of Eastern Region
On January 17, 1966, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi appointed Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu as the Military Governor of the Eastern Region in Nigeria.
1966-07-29
Northern soldiers stage a counter-coup, killing Aguiyi-Ironsi
In July 1966, northern soldiers staged a counter-coup, killing Aguiyi-Ironsi and many other high-ranking Eastern officers, leading to the emergence of Yakubu Gowon as Head of State.
1966-09-29
Pogroms in the North targeting Igbos
From June to October 1966, pogroms in the North resulted in the killing of an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 Igbos, leading to a mass exodus of over a million to two million to the Eastern Region. The massacre on September 29, 1966, known as 'Black Thursday', was considered the worst day of the violence.
1967-01-04
Meeting in Aburi, Ghana
On January 4-5, 1967, General Gowon and his military governors held a meeting with eastern Nigerian leaders in Aburi, Ghana, in an attempt to prevent a civil war.
1967-01-15
End of the Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War, concluded on January 15, 1970, marking the end of the conflict between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra.
1967-05-27
Proclamation of the division of Nigeria into twelve states
On May 27, 1967, Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon proclaimed the division of Nigeria into twelve states, which included carving the Eastern Region into three parts: South Eastern State, Rivers State, and East Central State, affecting the control over petroleum resources.
1967-05-30
Outbreak of Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Nigerian-Biafran War, started with the secession of the southeastern region as the Republic of Biafra in 1967. The conflict lasted for three years and resulted in a death toll of over one million people.
1967-07-06
Outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, began on July 6, 1967, when Nigeria and the Republic of Biafra engaged in a civil war following Biafra's declaration of independence.
1967-07-25
Capture of Bonny Oil Terminal
Federal forces captured the ocean oil terminal at Bonny on July 25, 1967, leading to the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson deciding to back Nigeria with military aid during the Nigerian Civil War.
1967-08-09
Biafran Offensive into Mid-Western State
Biafran forces crossed into the Mid-Western state of Nigeria, advancing west until they were stopped at Ore. The attack was led by Lt. Col. Banjo and met little resistance due to pre-secession arrangements.
1967-08-16
Colonel Odumegwu Emeka Ojukwu addresses press conference in front of Biafra flag
Colonel Odumegwu Emeka Ojukwu, the leader of the breakaway Republic of Biafra, stands in front of a Biafra flag as he addresses a press conference in Enugu in 1967.
1967-09-19
Declaration of Republic of Benin by Biafran Military Administrator
The Biafran military administrator declared the Mid-Western state as the Republic of Benin, which ceased to exist the next day.
1967-09-22
Retaking of Benin City by Nigerian Forces
Benin City was retaken by Nigerian forces, although the Biafrans succeeded in tying down many Nigerian troops.
1967-10-04
Capture of Enugu by Nigerian 1st Division
The Nigerian 1st Division captured Enugu, the hub of secession and rebellion in Biafra. Ojukwu narrowly escaped capture.
1967-10-12
First Attempt to Cross the River Niger
The Nigerian Federal Army's first attempt to cross the River Niger from Asaba to Onitsha resulted in over 5,000 soldiers killed, wounded, captured, or missing.
1967-10-17
Operation Tiger Claw
Operation Tiger Claw was a military conflict between Nigerian and Biafran forces, with Nigerians invading Calabar led by Benjamin Adekunle and Biafrans led by Col. Ogbu Ogi and Lynn Garrison.
1967-10-28
Nigerian Federal Army Offensive on Biafra from Asaba
In October 1967, Nigerian federal army soldiers survey a police checkpoint on the west bank of the Niger River at Asaba, from where they launched an amphibian offensive on Biafra during the Biafran war.
1967-11-13
Nigerian Federal Army Takes Calabar from Biafran Rebellion
In November 1967, a Nigerian federal army soldier points to a sign in Calabar, the oldest port on the West African coast, after the federal troops took the city from the Biafran rebellion during the Biafran war.
1968-01-29
Introduction of Biafran Currency
On January 29, 1968, Biafra introduced its first official currency, a significant step in asserting its independence.
1968-03-27
First Airlift to Port Harcourt
On March 27, 1968, the first airlift into Port Harcourt was organized by Father Anthony Byrne, aiding in relief efforts in the city during the Nigerian Civil War.
1968-05-19
Capture of Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt was captured by Nigerian forces, solidifying Federal supremacy in the war.
1968-06-12
Humanitarian Campaign for Biafra in the United Kingdom
The humanitarian campaign for Biafra in the United Kingdom began on June 12, 1968, with media coverage and involvement of charities like Oxfam and Save the Children Fund.
1968-06-26
Republic of Biafra releases 'Charge to Humanity' statement
The government of the Republic of Biafra issues a statement highlighting the worsening conditions in Biafra and appealing for international assistance.
1968-07-12
Capture of Garkem by Nigerian Forces
On July 12, Nigerian forces captured the Biafran town of Garkem as part of their initial attack. This event was a strategic move in the early stages of the Nigerian Civil War.
1968-07-14
Capture of Nsukka by Nigerian Forces
On July 14, Nigerian forces captured the Biafran town of Nsukka as part of their initial attack. This event marked the beginning of the conflict between Nigeria and Biafra.
1968-08-21
Biafran Advance Halted near Ore
On August 21, Biafran forces were stopped near the town of Ore, 130 miles east of Lagos, by Nigerian troops. This marked a significant point in the conflict as the Biafran retaliation was halted.
1968-08-31
Child Soldiers of Biafran Army in Umuahia
In this file photograph taken on August 31, 1968, two child soldiers of the Biafran army, Moise (14) and Ferdinand (16), are seen speaking in Umuahia as Nigerian federal troops continue their advance. The image highlights the involvement of young individuals in the Biafran war.
1968-09-09
Richard Nixon calls for action to help Biafra
On September 9, 1968, future U.S. President Richard Nixon urged President Lyndon B. Johnson to take action in assisting Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War. Nixon highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Biafra, emphasizing the need for intervention.
1968-11-15
Operation Hiroshima
During this operation, over half of the 4th Commando Brigade of mercenaries were wiped out by Nigerian forces, leading to the expulsion of Steiner and his replacement by Taffy Williams.
1968-11-20
French arms supply to Biafra revealed
An article in Paris Match published on November 20, 1968, disclosed that French arms were reaching Biafra through neighboring countries like Gabon. This revelation shed light on the international involvement in the Nigerian Civil War.
1969-02-04
Pele achieves ceasefire in Nigerian Civil War
In the midst of the Nigerian Civil War, Pele's Santos team played a match in Benin City which led to a temporary ceasefire. The war, also known as the Biafra War, was halted for the game to take place, showcasing the power of football in bringing people together even in times of conflict.
1969-06-05
Red Cross plane shot down during aid delivery to Biafra
A Red Cross aircraft is attacked and brought down while attempting to deliver relief supplies to Biafra, leading to the suspension of further air deliveries by the Red Cross.
1969-06-30
Nigeria bans ICRC aid to Biafra
In 1969, Nigeria prohibited the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from providing aid to Biafra, a region in Nigeria. This action hindered humanitarian efforts during the conflict.
1969-12-23
Nigerian Federal Forces Launch Final Offensive Against Biafrans
With increased British support, the Nigerian federal forces launched their final offensive against the Biafrans on 23 December 1969. The 3rd Marine Commando Division, commanded by Col. Olusegun Obasanjo, successfully split the Biafran enclave into two by the end of the year.
1969-12-24
Federal troops launch offensive against Biafra
On December 24, 1969, federal troops initiated a major offensive against Biafra, leading to the beginning of the final collapse of the Biafran republic. This event ultimately marked the end of the Republic of Biafra.
1970-01-07
Nigerian forces launch Operation Tail-Wind
On January 7, 1970, Nigerian forces initiated Operation Tail-Wind, a military offensive that swiftly captured Owerri and Uli within 5 days during the Nigerian Civil War.
1970-01-11
Ojukwu flees to Côte d’Ivoire
On January 11, 1970, Biafran leader Ojukwu fled to Côte d’Ivoire as federal troops closed in, signaling the impending defeat of Biafra in the Nigerian Civil War.
1970-01-12
Biafra Surrenders
On January 12, 1970, Biafra officially announces its surrender, marking the end of the struggle for independence.
1970-01-13
End of the Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafra War, concluded on January 13, 1970, after two and a half years of conflict between the secessionist Biafra Republic and the Nigerian federal government.
1970-01-14
Signing of Surrender Paper in Lagos
The surrender paper was signed on 14 January 1970 in Lagos, officially marking the end of the Nigerian Civil War. This event led to the cessation of hostilities and the beginning of the reunification process.
1970-01-15
End of Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War concludes with the re-integration of Biafra into Nigeria, marking the end of a conflict that had caused significant turmoil and suffering.
1970-01-15
End of the Nigerian Civil War
The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, concluded on January 15, 1970, marking the end of the conflict between Nigeria and the secessionist state of Biafra.
1971-12
Founding of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
The creation of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in December 1971 was influenced by the visible overseas conflict that led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people due to starvation. The organization was established by a group of health professionals who disagreed with the actions taken during the civil war.
1977
Publication of The International Politics of the Nigerian Civil War
The book titled 'The International Politics of the Nigerian Civil War' was published in 1977.
1979-09-28
Abandoned Properties Act
The Abandoned Properties Act was enacted on September 28, 1979, to address the issue of property ownership in post-war Nigeria, particularly affecting Igbos who had fled the conflict.
1985-07
Establishment of National War Museum in Umuahia, Nigeria
In July 1985, the National War Museum was founded in Umuahia, Nigeria, commemorating the historical events and artifacts related to conflicts like the Nigerian Civil War.
1999
Foundation of Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB)
In 1999, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) was founded by Indian-trained lawyer, Ralph Uwazuruike.
2000-05-29
Dismissal of Military Personnel by Olusegun Obasanjo
On 29 May 2000, former president Olusegun Obasanjo commuted to retirement the dismissal of military personnel who fought for the breakaway Republic of Biafra during Nigeria's 1967–1970 civil war, citing the need for justice to be tempered with mercy.
2005
Arrest of MASSOB Leader Ralph Uwazuruike
In 2005, MASSOB leader Ralph Uwazuruike was arrested on treason charges by the Nigerian federal government, accusing the group of violence. His arrest led to a series of detentions and releases over the years.
2006-07
Government-sanctioned Killings in Onitsha
In July 2006, the Center for World Indigenous Studies reported government-sanctioned killings in Onitsha targeting Biafrans, particularly members of MASSOB, due to a shoot-to-kill policy. This escalated tensions in the region.
2006-09
Publication of Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun
In September 2006, Chimamanda Adichie's novel 'Half of a Yellow Sun' is published.
2009
Establishment of Radio Biafra in the United Kingdom
In 2009, MASSOB leader Chief Ralph Uwazuruike established Radio Biafra in the UK with Nnamdi Kanu as the radio director. The radio station faced opposition from the Nigerian government and broadcasting regulators.
2011-11-26
Death of Ojukwu in the UK
On November 26, 2011, Ojukwu dies in the United Kingdom after a brief illness, aged 78.
2012
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Foundation
Establishment of the separatist movement led by Nnamdi Kanu, advocating for the independence of Biafra and reigniting discussions about self-determination in Nigeria.
2016
Biafran War Memories
The Biafran War Memories project was created in 2016 to remember the events of the Nigerian civil war and the harm suffered by the victims.
2017-05-26
NSS BONNY displayed at War Museum in Umuahia
A photograph taken on May 26, 2017, shows the NSS BONNY on display at the War Museum in Umuahia, in south-eastern Nigeria.
2017-05-28
IPOB supporters march in Aba
A photograph taken on May 28, 2017, shows supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) marching through the Osusu district in Aba.
2018
Memory, Reconciliation, and Peacebuilding in post-civil war southeastern Nigeria
The paper discusses the importance of memory, reconciliation, and peacebuilding in southeastern Nigeria after the civil war. It explores the challenges and strategies for promoting peace and unity in the region.
2021
Orlu Crisis
Escalation of tensions between IPOB and the Nigerian government, leading to violent clashes and declarations of a 'second Nigeria/Biafra war'. The crisis highlighted ongoing struggles for autonomy and identity.
End of the Timeline
Nigerian Civil War

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Nigerian Civil War

Nigerian Civil War - Biafran War
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