The Collection
The War Archive's Digital Collection offers public access to an extensive array of digitized ephemera, photo collections, relics, and historical documents meticulously curated from the Nigeria-Biafra civil war era.
Col. Okoli’s Bullet Scar
A healed bullet scar on the hip of Col. John Okoli, sustained during his service as an infantry officer of the Biafran army in the Nigerian Civil War. The scar appears to be well-healed but prominent, with visible contraction of the surrounding skin, likely resulting from the wound's severity and subsequent healing process.
Source Collection: Military.
Date: 14th January, 2024
Col. Okoli’s Military Uniform
Military Uniform belonging to Col. PJ Okoli. This khaki-colored uniform consists of a long-sleeve shirt with two front pockets and shoulder straps, and matching trousers. The shirt’s inner neck area features a name tag inscribed with "Olusanya & Bros" (the suspected manufacturer), "size 6," and Col. Okoli’s initials "PJ."
Source Collection: Military.
Date: 26 February, 2025
Five Shilling Note
Bank of Biafra five shilling note belonging to Dr. P.C.O. Chinwuba. The front of the note has the words “Republic of Biafra” and “Bank of Biafra” written on it. A palm tree stands prominently in the center and the denomination “Five Shillings” is printed in bold with a promise-to-pay statement signed by the Governor and Director of the bank. The reverse side depicts a group of four women in traditional attire.
Source Collection: Banking.
Date: 1967
John Lennon Returns M.B.E.
A video press conference of John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono at Apple Corp., the Beatles' company headquarters at 3 Savile Row, London. The press conference was held after John returned his MBE to the Queen in protest against violence and war, especially Britain’s involvement in the Biafran War.
Source Collection: Journalism and Media.
Date: 25th November, 1969
Memorandum for the President: U.S. Options In Biafra Relief
This memorandum, prepared by Henry Kissinger, U.S. Assistant for National Security Affairs, presents options for U.S. relief efforts in the Nigerian Civil War, weighing their pros and cons.
Source Collection: Administrative Records and Publications, Foreign Relations and Affairs.
Date: 28th January, 1969
Memorandum of Conversation Between Biafra Representatives and U.S. National Security Council Staff
The U.S. National Security Council representatives Roger Morris and Charles Hermann held an exploratory, confidential discussion with Biafra’s Foreign Minister Godwin Onyegbula and Ambassador Ignatius Kogbara. The informal dialogue was aimed at exploring mediation and negotiation options without binding the U.S. to any specific action.
Source Collection: Administrative Records and Publications, Foreign Relations and Affairs.
Date: 25th September, 1969
Memorandum of Conversation: Report of Norman Cousins' Trip to Nigeria and Biafra
This memorandum details Norman Cousins’ observations and discussions during his trip to Nigeria and Biafra during the Civil War. In his report, Cousins outlines his humanitarian initiative called Aid to Biafran Children (ABC) designed to address severe malnutrition among children in Biafra.
Source Collection: Administrative Records and Publications, Foreign Relations and Affairs.
Date: 31st July, 1969
Nigerian Dignitaries at the White House I
Images of Nuhu Bamali, Nigeria’s Minister of State for External Affairs, and Ambassador Godwin A. Onyegbula, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria, with President Lyndon B. Johnson and his entourage during a meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C. This meeting, scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on 22 September 1965, was held to present a letter from Nigerian Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa to President Johnson.
Source Collection: Biafran Government Officials.
Date: 22nd September, 1965
Nigerian Dignitaries at the White House II
Nuhu Bamali, Nigeria’s Minister of State for External Affairs (center), and Ambassador Godwin A. Onyegbula, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria (left), are pictured seated with President Lyndon B. Johnson (right) in the Oval Office. This meeting, scheduled for 10:45 a.m. on 22 September 1965, was held to present a letter from Nigerian Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa to President Johnson.
Source Collection: Biafran Government Officials.
Date: 22nd September, 1965