Code Name Annabelle: The Secret Runway Where Pilots Ran the Nigerian Blockade

Flying old cargo planes through darkness and anti-aircraft fire, pilots had to find the hidden runway before Nigerian fighters found them.

by Gatimu Juma

The pilot pushed the throttles forward, and the cargo aircraft climbed into the humid African night. Behind him the island of São Tomé disappeared into darkness. The cockpit lights were dimmed and the radio remained silent. Ahead lay 200 miles of open water and jungle, but the real challenge was not distance. The real challenge...