BBC’s New Documentary ‘Surviving Biafra’ Revisits Nigeria’s Civil War Through Eyewitness Stories

The BBC World Service has released a powerful 75-minute film titled ‘Surviving Biafra’ on the Nigerian Civil War. It features rare frontline footage and eyewitness accounts from both sides of the conflict. Award-winning director Meji Alabi interviews his grandfather, a former army commando, alongside soldiers and civilians directly involved in the war. With most survivors now in their 70s and 80s, these personal testimonies are at risk of being lost forever. The documentary explores the human cost of the conflict—estimated to have claimed up to three million lives—and examines its lasting impact on Nigeria. As secessionist tensions rise again in the Eastern Region, these lessons from the past are more vital than ever. ‘Surviving Biafra’ will be available in multiple Nigerian languages on BBC’s digital platforms from early June.

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