<P> Shortly after extending its blockade to include oil , the Nigerian government launched a `` police action '' to retake the secessionist territory . The war began on the early hours of 6 July 1967 when Nigerian Federal troops advanced in two columns into Biafra . The Biafra strategy had succeeded . The federal government had started the war , and the East was one defending itself . The Nigerian Army offensive was through the north of Biafra led by Colonel Mohammed Shuwa and the local military units were formed as the 1st Infantry Division . The division was led mostly by northern officers . After facing unexpectedly fierce resistance and high casualties , the right - hand Nigerian column advanced on the town of Nsukka which fell on 14 July , while the left - hand column made for Garkem , which was captured on 12 July . </P>
<P> Shortly after extending its blockade to include oil , the Nigerian government launched a `` police action '' to retake the secessionist territory . The war began on the early hours of 6 July 1967 when Nigerian Federal troops advanced in two columns into Biafra . The Biafra strategy had succeeded . The federal government had started the war , and the East was one defending itself . The Nigerian Army offensive was through the north of Biafra led by Colonel Mohammed Shuwa and the local military units were formed as the 1st Infantry Division . The division was led mostly by northern officers . After facing unexpectedly fierce resistance and high casualties , the right - hand Nigerian column advanced on the town of Nsukka which fell on 14 July , while the left - hand column made for Garkem , which was captured on 12 July . </P>
when did the civil war start in nigeria
when did the civil war start in nigeria
the early hours of 6 July 1967
the early hours of 6 July 1967