Benjamin Adekunle: The Black Scorpion of Nigeria’s Civil War

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Benjamin Adekunle, famously known as the Black Scorpion, was a formidable field commander during Nigeria’s Civil War, which began in July 1967.

In 1968, he led the 7th and 8th Battalions in the campaign to retake Bonny, a strategic coastal town in the Bight of Benin, cementing his reputation as a fearless and uncompromising leader.

Adekunle’s nickname “Black Scorpion” reflected his speed, bravery, and ruthless tactics on the battlefield. Unlike many commanders, he led from the front, earning the respect and admiration of his soldiers, many of whom recall him as a leader who shared their risks and hardships.

After the war ended in January 1970, Adekunle continued his military career, being promoted to Brigadier in 1972 and serving in Lagos Port until his retirement in August 1974.

He then faded from public view, living a quiet life until his death on 13 September 2014, after a long illness in 2009.

Adekunle remains a controversial yet unforgettable figure in Nigeria’s civil war history, remembered for his courage, command style, and lasting impact on the conflict.