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Nigerian Federal Government
Republic of Biafra
← All battles of Biafra

Nigerian Air Raids on Civilian Markets

1969 · Biafran Heartland Theater

Hundreds of civilian deaths; international condemnation; contributes to global Biafran sympathy; no military advantage

1969

Throughout 1969, the Nigerian Air Force — whose MiG-17 jets were frequently flown by foreign mercenaries, including Egyptian pilots — conducted repeated strikes on civilian markets, hospitals, and refugee gatherings in the Biafran heartland. The raids killed hundreds of civilians per attack and had no clear military targets. Journalists documented the attacks, and photographs of bombed markets — filled with women and children buying food — were published worldwide.

  • Nigerian Air Raids on Civilian Markets

Commanders

Nigerian Federal Government · Nigerian Air Force MiG-17 pilots (Egyptian and British mercenaries)
Republic of Biafra · Biafran civilian population