Frederick Forsyth, the celebrated British author, journalist, and former spy, passed away on Monday, 9 June 2025, at his home in Jordans, England, aged 86, following a brief illness. Known for his gripping thrillers such as The Day of the Jackal and his deep connection to the Igbo people during the Nigerian Civil War, Forsyth leaves behind a legacy of literary excellence and humanitarian empathy. His literary agent, Jonathan Lloyd, confirmed that he died surrounded by family, mourned as one of the world’s greatest thriller writers.
Forsyth’s bond with Nigeria, particularly the Igbo people of Biafra, began in the 1960s when he served as a BBC correspondent covering the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Assigned to report on the conflict, Forsyth witnessed the harrowing struggle of the Biafran people as they fought for independence amidst widespread suffering. His reporting, often sympathetic to the Biafran cause, brought global attention to the crisis but stirred controversy for its perceived bias.
His experiences in Biafra were profound, marked by moments of personal danger, including a near miss from a bullet during the conflict. Forsyth documented the atrocities he observed, including the slaughter of over 300 Igbo women and children hiding in a church, an event that deeply affected him. His book, The Biafra Story: The Making of an African Legend, remains a seminal work, offering a detailed and empathetic account of the war and the Igbo people’s resilience.
Forsyth’s commitment to the Igbo extended beyond journalism. Posts on X highlight his personal involvement, claiming he raised the children of Biafran leader Chukwuemeka Ojukwu after the war, a testament to his enduring friendship with Ndigbo. His outspoken criticism of the British establishment’s attempts to suppress reports of Biafran suffering further cemented his reputation as a fearless truth-teller.
Forsyth’s experiences in Biafra lent authenticity to his writing, which captivated millions. His debut novel, The Day of the Jackal (1971), inspired by his research into the French OAS’s attempts to assassinate Charles de Gaulle, became a global bestseller and a benchmark for the thriller genre. Other notable works include The Odessa File (1974), The Dogs of War (1974), and The Fourth Protocol (1984), with his books selling over 75 million copies worldwide.
His final work, Revenge of Odessa, co-authored with Tony Kent, is set for release in November 2025, a sequel to The Odessa File. Forsyth’s ability to weave real-world insights into fiction earned him accolades, including the Crime Writers’ Association’s Diamond Dagger.
Before his literary success, Forsyth led a remarkable life. One of the youngest RAF pilots, he later became a foreign correspondent, leveraging his fluency in German, French, and Russian. In 2015, he revealed his work with MI6 during the Nigerian Civil War, adding a layer of intrigue to his already adventurous life. A staunch conservative, Forsyth was known for his sharp critiques of political trends, earning both admiration and debate.
Forsyth’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief, particularly among the Igbo community, who regard him as a steadfast ally. On X, tributes describe him as a man who “mourned with Biafra” and whose writings preserved their story. His publisher, Bill Scott-Kerr, praised his enduring influence, noting that his thrillers remain a gold standard.
Frederick Forsyth’s life was as thrilling as his novels, defined by courage, conviction, and a deep humanity. His work and his solidarity with Ndigbo will continue to inspire generations.
Subscribe to our newsletter!
