National War Museum Umuahia

The National War Museum in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, offers a comprehensive insight into the nation’s military history, with a particular focus on the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Established in 1985, the museum is situated in Ebite Amafor, Isingwu, within the Umuahia North Local Government Area. Notably, this location encompasses the former “Voice of Biafra” bunker, a pivotal radio station during the war, and the “Ojukwu Bunker,” which served as the subterranean command center for Biafran leadership.

National War Museum Umuahia

Ibite Amafor isingwu

Umuahia

Nigeria

nationalwarmumuhahia@yahoo.com

+234 803 592 7567

Daily 10:00 – 18:00

Admission fee

facebook
youtube

Aircraft collection

Ilyushin IL-28 NAF 805, National War Museum Umuahia
NAF 102

NAF 170

NAF 805

BB 905

NAF 624

Dornier Do 27A-4

Dornier Do 28B-1

Ilyushin IL-28

Malmö Flygindustri MFI-9B Trainer (fuselage)

Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-17F

Exhibits and Galleries

The National War Museum Umuahia‘s diverse collection is organized into several sections:

  • Traditional Warfare Gallery: Showcases indigenous weapons and warfare strategies, highlighting Nigeria’s pre-colonial military heritage.
  • Armed Forces Gallery: Chronicles the evolution of Nigeria’s military from 1963 to the present, featuring artifacts from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Civil War Gallery: Presents photographs and objects from the Nigerian Civil War, offering a poignant look into this significant period.
  • Open-Air Gallery: Displays an array of military hardware, including tanks, armored vehicles, ships, and aircraft utilized by both Nigerian and Biafran forces. A notable exhibit is the NNS Bonny, a warship that participated in the conflict and is preserved on-site.

Significance

The National War Museum Umuahia serves as a memorial to all casualties of war and conflicts in Nigeria. Its establishment aims to educate visitors on the impacts of war, promoting a society rooted in peace and conflict resolution. The museum also stands as a testament to indigenous technological ingenuity, showcasing locally manufactured weapons and innovations developed during the war.