1851 - Britain annexes Lagos, and seizes regional control by 1886. 1914 - The region officially becomes the British Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. 1966 - Ethnic tension, kept in check under colonialism, boils over, and rioting breaks out among the 250 ethnic and linguistic groups that make up Nigeria. Military seizes control. 1966 - the Muslim Hausas massacre of Christian Ebos.
Civil war breaks out.
Jan 1970 - Biafra falls and surrenders to the federal government. 1979 - Alhaji Shehu Shagari is elected president and civilian government is restored. 1984 - military again seizes power, followed by coups. June 1993 - Military leader, Maj. General Ibrahim Babangida declares return to civilian leadership, and calls elections, but voids election results.