March 27, 1968 – First airlift into city of Port Harcourt, organized by Father Anthony Byrne, who also managed the Catholic relief operations in Biafra

Irish Father Anthony Byrne was working as a missionary in eastern Nigeria during the Nigeria-Biafra War and was instrumental in organizing airlifts throughout the war. He was nicknamed “Green Pimpernel” and directed the Catholic Church Caritas Agency as well. Despite Byrne’s courageous work during the war, his actions were controversial on the world stage because numerous African and Western governments support Nigerian unity. Some people credit Byrne with saving the lives of nearly 1 million people via the airlifts. 

see also:

Interview: Father Tony Byrne where he discusses his experiences in Biafra.