Retired Brigadier-General Alabi Isama has shared a remarkable story about his mother’s extraordinary support during the Nigerian Civil War, revealing that she once bought and sent an entire plane load of supplies to the battlefield.
Speaking on the Edmund Obilo Podcast, the military strategist recalled how his mother went above and beyond to provide for troops fighting on the frontlines.
“My mother then went to Kingsway and bought the container that they got,” he said. “They loaded a DC9 full and brought to the war front, a whole plane.”
Kingsway Stores was one of the biggest shopping centres in Nigeria during the 1960s and 70s, known for stocking imported and luxury items. According to Isama, his mother bought so many supplies from Kingsway that they had to be transported in a full DC9 aircraft, a commercial jet directly to the war zone.
The revelation has sparked widespread admiration, with many Nigerians expressing awe at the scale of the gesture and the logistics involved. It also highlights a unique example of family involvement and personal sacrifice during one of the most challenging periods in Nigeria’s history.
Alabi Isama’s accounts of the civil war have often combined tactical military insight with deeply personal experiences, shedding light on the human side of warfare. His latest disclosure emphasizes not just the bravery of soldiers, but also the silent efforts of family members who contributed in unseen but impactful ways.
The full interview, which covers his military journey, personal life, and historical insights, is available on the Edmund Obilo Podcast and continues to resonate with audiences interested in Nigeria’s wartime history.
