The Nigerian Civil War, 1967–70

Nigeria's tensions erupted in 1966. In January a coup led mostly by young Igbo officers killed the prime minister and other leaders, mainly northerners. In July northern officers staged a counter-coup, bringing Yakubu Gowon to power, and later in 1966 massacres of Igbo living in the North killed many thousands and drove perhaps a million people back to the Eastern Region. After talks failed, the Eastern Region's military governor, Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared the independent Republic of Biafra on 30 May 1967.

The federal government fought to preserve Nigeria's unity, arguing that secession would break up the country and that other African states feared similar splits. A federal blockade of Biafra contributed to a terrible famine, and images of starving children brought worldwide attention. Estimates of deaths range from about half a million to two million or more, mostly civilians who died of hunger. Biafra surrendered in January 1970, and Gowon declared 'no victor, no vanquished'.