Civil War: Nigerian troops shouldn’t have fought Biafran soldiers — Obasanjo

Obasanjo Reflects on Civil War, Advocates for National Unity

Abeokuta, Nigeria — Former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed regret over the conflict between Nigerian troops and Biafran soldiers during the Nigerian Civil War, asserting that such civil strife is inherently painful as it pits citizens against one another.

Speaking on Monday, May 11, 2026, Obasanjo, who served as a commander during the war from 1967 to 1970, reflected on his experiences while addressing issues of national unity and reconciliation.

Obasanjo emphasized that civil wars differ significantly from external confrontations, emphasizing that the ultimate goal should be peace and unity instead of destruction. He noted that both Nigerian soldiers and Biafran troops belonged to the same nation, complicating the emotional landscape for those involved.

“We shouldn’t have fought ourselves. Civil war is different from fighting external enemies because at the end of the day, you are fighting your brothers,” he stated.

The former president called for the lessons learned from the civil war to inspire Nigerians to foster peace, dialogue, and unity, aiming to prevent any future national conflict.

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