Nigeria’s former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has revealed how disinformation played a key role in the civil war that took place between 1967 to 1970.
Obasanjo made the disclosure at the Sixth Edition of the Annual Nigerian Civil War Symposium organised by the Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the theme of the symposium, ‘The Role of Disinformation in the Nigerian Civil War’, was germane, especially in the present era of asymmetric warfare.
Obasanjo added that disinformation, propaganda, psychological warfare and propagation of false narratives are tools employed by a weaker force to discredit a superior force in asymmetric wars.
“Disinformation played a significant role in the Nigerian Civil War, exacerbating tensions and influencing public opinion.
“The same strategy is currently being employed by the insurgents in the northeast and other violent groups in other parts of Nigeria.
“In line with the theme, the symposium will therefore highlight the importance of media and information operations in conflict resolution and nation-building,” he stated.
