The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, was a conflict that erupted in 1967 following the declaration of independence by the southeastern region of Nigeria, known as Biafra. Ethnic tensions, particularly among the Igbo people, and economic grievances were the primary catalysts for this war. The national government, led by General Yakubu Gowon, opposed Biafra's secession, leading to a protracted and brutal conflict lasting 32 months. The widespread famine that resulted from the war drew international attention, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis facing millions of civilians trapped in the conflict zone.

On January 15, 1970, Biafran forces, under the command of General Philip Effiong, officially surrendered, marking the end of the insurgency and the return of Biafra to Nigerian control. In the lead-up to this event, the Biafran forces suffered from dwindling resources, a lack of international support, and overwhelming military pressure from the Nigerian government. The surrender was significant not only in terms of military conquest but also represented a complex resolution to a conflict rooted in identity, economic disparities, and political power struggles.

The aftermath of the war left deep scars on the nation, with estimates of up to two million deaths, primarily from starvation, and a legacy of distrust among Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups. Reconciliation efforts were undertaken in subsequent years, but the impact of the Biafran War continued to shape Nigeria's political landscape throughout the decades that followed. While the end of the war restored federal authority, the issues that precipitated the conflict remained unresolved, leading to ongoing tensions in the region.