The humanitarian crisis during the Nigerian Civil War was exacerbated by

The Nigerian government blockaded Biafra to stop food and supplies. This caused mass starvation, especially among children. Images of starving Biafran children shocked the world.

International sanctions didn’t target Nigeria during the war. Both sides destroyed infrastructure during fighting. Mercenaries fought but didn’t cause the humanitarian crisis.

The blockade turned military conflict into civilian catastrophe. An estimated one to three million people died, many from starvation.