Nigeria

On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule. The event marked the end of decades of British occupation and was achieved following years of nationalist movements and negotiations. Nigeria became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and was led by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The independence day is celebrated annually as a national holiday in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country's history of self-governance. It paved the way for the establishment of Nigeria as a sovereign state.

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, began on May 30, 1967, when the Eastern Region of Nigeria declared itself an independent republic under the name Biafra. The secession followed political unrest and ethnic tensions between the Igbo-dominated east and the northern and western regions. The war lasted until January 15, 1970, resulting in significant loss of life and humanitarian crises. It highlighted deep-rooted ethnic divisions in Nigeria and continues to influence Nigerian politics and society.

On February 13, 1976, General Murtala Mohammed, the then Head of State and leader of Nigeria, was assassinated in Lagos during an attempted military coup. Murtala Mohammed had been a key figure in Nigeria's political landscape, having assumed power in 1975. His death shocked the nation and led to enhanced security measures and political restructuring. It ushered in the brief rule of Olusegun Obasanjo who proceeded with the transition programme towards a civilian government.

The Nigerian presidential election of June 12, 1993, is considered one of the fairest in the country's history. However, the election, which was presumed to be won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, was annulled by the military regime led by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. The annulment led to widespread protests and political unrest in Nigeria. It became a defining moment in Nigeria's struggle for democracy and is commemorated annually as Democracy Day.

On May 29, 1999, Nigeria ended more than 15 years of military rule with the inauguration of Olusegun Obasanjo as President. This event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria's democratic development after a series of military juntas. It was the beginning of the Fourth Republic, representing a desire for stability and democratic governance. Obasanjo's election followed the resignation of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who had taken power during a transitional period aimed at returning Nigeria to civilian rule.

In 2002, Nigeria was set to host the Miss World pageant, but the event became controversial after a Nigerian newspaper made comments about the pageant that were deemed blasphemous by some Nigerian Muslims. The comments led to riots, primarily concentrated in the city of Kaduna, causing significant casualties and destruction. The violence underscored the religious tensions in Nigeria, as well as the impact of cultural and media events on the country's social fabric.

The Boko Haram insurgency, characterized by its violent attacks against the Nigerian state and civilian population, began in earnest on July 26, 2009. The group, advocating for the imposition of Sharia law across Nigeria, attacked police stations and government buildings in Maiduguri and other areas, leading to a security crackdown. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, displacement, and humanitarian challenges in Nigeria's northeast region, shaping both national and international discourse on terrorism.

On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram militants kidnapped 276 female students from the Government Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria. The abduction drew international outrage and attention to the plight of the missing girls, becoming a focal point of the global Bring Back Our Girls campaign. While some of the girls were eventually rescued or found, many remain missing. The kidnapping highlighted the severe impact of the insurgency on education and security in the region.

The 2015 Nigerian elections, held on March 28, marked a significant turning point in the country's democratic journey. For the first time, an incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, was defeated in a general election by the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, marking a peaceful transition of power. The elections were acclaimed for their relative transparency and the use of biometric card readers. This event underscored Nigeria's democratic maturity and was pivotal in bolstering the electoral process in Nigeria.

On October 20, 2020, Nigerian security forces opened fire on protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality. The incident, widely referred to as the Lekki Massacre, resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, drawing international condemnation. The protests, initially targeting the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), became a wider call for reforms and justice. The aftermath of the incident has had lasting impacts on Nigerian society and governance.