A rare and powerful image capturing five key commanders of the Nigerian Army during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) has resurfaced, evoking renewed national reflection on the sacrifices and leadership that shaped Nigeria’s history.
The historic photograph features, from left to right, General Godwin Alabi-Isama, General Alani Akinrinade, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle — widely known by his fearsome moniker, “The Black Scorpion” — General Godwin Ally, and Colonel Alimi Ogunkanmi. Together, they represent a generation of military leaders whose roles were pivotal in navigating Nigeria through one of its most turbulent periods.
Taken during a critical juncture in the three-year civil war, the image symbolizes the high-stakes military strategies and camaraderie that defined Nigeria’s armed forces as they sought to preserve national unity. Each of the officers played significant roles in the theatre of war, particularly in the Mid-Western and Eastern regions, where decisive battles were fought.
Military historians have described the photograph as a visual encapsulation of courage, discipline, and national service. For many Nigerians, the image is more than just a snapshot in time — it is a reminder of the heavy cost of conflict and the enduring need for peace and cohesion in the country.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of national unity, security, and identity, the photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the past and a call to preserve the hard-won unity secured by the sacrifices of the country’s wartime heroes.
