May 1968.

Footage of the Third Marine Commando Division (formerly the Third Infantry Division) of the Federal Army of Nigeria occupying the city of Port Harcourt after furious battle with forces of the secessionist army of Biafra.

Led by Lt. Colonel Benjamin Adekunle, whose moniker was the "Black Scorpion, the 3 Marine Commando had with the support of the Nigerian Navy made an amphibious landing at the town of Bonny in July 1967. The fall of Bonny gave control of the main river leading to Port Harcourt to the Federal side, and the fall of Port Harcourt, a coastal city in the delta area effectively cut Biafra from any access to the Atlantic Ocean.

The footage shows Lt. Colonel Adekunle barking orders, and soldiers including Major Godwin Alabi-Isama (promoted to temporary lt. colonel in April 1968) walking towards the airport. There are also shots of a damaged Biafran bomber and of captured African and European men.

Adekunle was promoted to the rank of temporary colonel in May of 1968.

Source: Personal Collection.

Further reading:

About Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle
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