Nigerian Timeline

Islamic Sokoto caliphate is founded in north.

British establish presence around Lagos.

Part of former German colony Kamerun is added to Nigeria under League of Nations mandate.

Independence, with Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa leading a coalition government.

Mr Balewa killed in coup. Maj-Gen Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi forms military government.

Three eastern states secede as the Republic of Biafra, sparking bloody civil war.

Biafran leaders surrender.

General Gowon overthrown by Brigadier Murtala Ramat Mohammed, who begins process of moving federal capital to Abuja.

Adoption of Islamic Sharia law by several northern states in the face of opposition from Christians. Tension over the issue results in hundreds of deaths in clashes between Christians and Muslims.

Tribal war in Benue State, in eastern-central Nigeria, displaces thousands of people. Troops sent to quash the fighting kill more than 200 unarmed civilians, apparently in retaliation for the abduction and murder of 19 soldiers.

Civil wars plague Yorubaland in the south.

Britain consolidates its hold over what it calls the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria, governs through local leaders.

Controversial census fuels regional and ethnic tensions.