Disinformation Fueled Nigerian Civil War, Still a Threat to National Security, Laments Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that disinformation, which played a major role in fueling the Nigerian Civil War, remains a serious threat to the country’s national security.

Speaking at a National Security Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, Obasanjo said the deliberate spread of false information and ethnic propaganda was a critical factor in the outbreak of the civil conflict between 1967 and 1970, and continues to endanger Nigeria’s unity today.

“The Nigerian Civil War was not simply about political rivalry or regional ambitions. It was fueled by fear, suspicion, and dangerous lies that were deliberately spread to divide us.

“Disinformation was the weapon, and we all paid the price. Unfortunately, that weapon is still with us—only now, it is more sophisticated and even more dangerous,” Obasanjo stated.

The former military head of state and two-term civilian president recalled how misinformation was used to stoke tensions among ethnic groups, distort public perception, and escalate hostilities during the war.

He pointed out that with the advent of digital platforms and social media, disinformation now spreads more quickly and widely, often inciting violence and deepening mistrust among Nigeria’s diverse population.

Obasanjo emphasized that modern disinformation poses a greater threat due to the ease and speed with which false narratives can circulate online.

He cited recent examples, including misinformation during protests and communal crises, as evidence of the destructive potential of unchecked digital content.

“Back then, you needed access to a radio station or a newspaper to mislead the public. Today, all it takes is a smartphone and a data bundle. A single tweet or video clip can spark violence in a matter of hours,” he warned.

Calling for urgent national action, Obasanjo advocated for stronger regulation of online content, increased investment in media literacy, civic education for youth, and robust support for fact-checking and independent journalism.

He also called for prosecution of those who deliberately spread disinformation that incites violence or promotes hatred.

He stressed the need for honest teaching of Nigerian history in schools, warning that a generation misinformed about the past will be vulnerable to dangerous manipulation.

“We cannot move forward as a united nation if our children grow up believing lies about who we are and what we’ve been through. We must confront our history with honesty and humility,” he said.

Security experts and academics at the forum echoed Obasanjo’s concerns. Dr. Amina Yusuf, a professor of strategic studies, described disinformation as a “strategic weapon” now used by insurgents, separatists, and hostile actors to undermine Nigeria.

She urged the federal government and security agencies to treat the fight against false information as a national security priority.

Officials from the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Orientation Agency, and the Ministry of Information who attended the event pledged to intensify efforts to curb the spread of fake news and harmful online content.

They also committed to working with global technology platforms to monitor and remove disinformation targeting Nigerian audiences.

Obasanjo concluded with a warning that failure to confront the growing threat of disinformation could undo decades of hard-earned national progress.

“If we do not act now, we risk allowing the ghosts of the past to rise again—and this time, they said may not be so easily laid to rest.”