Today, July 7th, marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa (NBM), an organization established at the University of Benin, Nigeria, in 1977. What began as a student brotherhood rooted in Pan-African ideals and “intellectual radicalism” has evolved into a deeply complex entity, often synonymous in public discourse with the notorious Black Axe confraternity. This day, while potentially a moment of reflection for some, also brings with it a heightened sense of vigilance across Nigerian communities, as law enforcement agencies across states like Oyo and Lagos deploy officers to pre-empt potential unrest and criminal activities associated with the date.
From Pan-African Roots to Campus Realities: The NBM’s Genesis
The Neo-Black Movement of Africa was born from the aspirations of nine University of Benin students who envisioned a movement to combat racism and neo-colonialism. Their symbol, a black axe “smashing the shackles of colonialism,” eloquently articulated their anti-colonial activism and commitment to black realism and determinism. Inspired by movements like the Black Panther Party, the NBM initially aimed to be a vanguard for a new black nation, promoting African culture, social justice, and equality. Early iterations of the NBM even published a magazine, “The Black Axe,” filled with self-help, poetry, and agitprop, reflecting its intellectual and emancipatory goals.
However, the narrative of the NBM began to shift. While the NBM of Africa maintains its legal registration as an international NGO dedicated to “equality and social justice for all,” a distinct and more sinister offshoot, widely known as the Black Axe confraternity, emerged around 1994. This subgroup increasingly adopted violence as a means to assert dominance and enforce its will, moving far from the initial intellectual and anti-colonial pursuits.
The Shadow of the Axe: Violence and Criminality
The transformation of some elements associated with the NBM into the violent Black Axe confraternity has had a profound and often devastating impact on Nigerian society. What started as campus-based confraternities, in their darker manifestations, devolved into criminal enterprises. The Black Axe, in particular, has become infamous for its involvement in a wide array of illicit activities, both within Nigeria and globally.
Reports from law enforcement agencies and investigative journalists link the Black Axe to:
- Cybercrime: This is arguably their most profitable venture, with members engaging in sophisticated online scams such as business email compromise (BEC), romance scams, and advance-fee frauds, defrauding victims worldwide of millions, if not billions, of dollars annually.
- Human Trafficking and Money Laundering: The proceeds from cybercrime and other illegal activities are laundered through complex networks, often exploiting vulnerable individuals in human trafficking rings.
- Intimidation and Violence: Within Nigeria, the Black Axe is known for extreme brutality, engaging in inter-confraternity clashes, political thuggery, extortion, kidnapping, and even targeted killings. Their initiation rituals are often described as violent and degrading, cementing loyalty through fear and trauma.
- Political Influence: Disturbingly, the confraternity has been accused of leveraging its power and networks to influence political outcomes, with alleged ties to politicians who reportedly use them as enforcers during elections.
The violence associated with the Black Axe has contributed significantly to insecurity in Nigerian universities and urban centers, disrupting academic calendars and creating an atmosphere of fear for students and ordinary citizens alike.
Founder’s Day 77: A Day of Mixed Realities
For the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, July 7th may represent a commemoration of their founding principles of Pan-Africanism and social justice. They highlight their charitable activities, community outreach, and efforts to promote African culture. Indeed, in February 2024, the NBM of Africa publicly disassociated itself from the Black Axe confraternity, expelling nearly fifty connected members, including former national presidents, in an attempt to distance itself from the criminal elements.
However, for many Nigerians, the date is inextricably linked with the violent activities of the Black Axe. This perception is reinforced by consistent news reports of police deploying resources to curtail potential unrest and criminal activities on this day. The Oyo State Police Command, for instance, has openly acknowledged intelligence suggesting “large-scale retribution and mayhem” by rival gangs during this period, emphasizing the need for heightened security.
The divergent narratives surrounding July 7th highlight the profound challenges in distinguishing between the original ideals of the NBM and the subsequent criminal evolution of the Black Axe. While the NBM seeks to project an image of a responsible, philanthropic organization, the pervasive influence and notoriety of the Black Axe continue to overshadow any positive contributions.
Addressing the Root Causes: A Path Forward
To effectively address the issues stemming from groups like the Black Axe, a multi-faceted approach is essential. This includes:
- Robust Law Enforcement and Prosecution: Sustained efforts by national and international law enforcement agencies are crucial to dismantle their criminal networks, prosecute members, and recover illicit proceeds.
- Youth Engagement and Education: Countering recruitment by cult groups requires providing viable alternatives for Nigerian youth, addressing unemployment, and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose through legitimate avenues.
- Strengthening University Governance: Universities must be empowered and equipped to prevent cultism on campuses, fostering environments of academic excellence and safety.
- Community Partnership: Collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, parents, and religious organizations is vital to raise awareness about the dangers of cultism and discourage participation.
- Tackling Corruption: The alleged ties between criminal confraternities and political figures underscore the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance to break the cycle of patronage and impunity.
As the 77th anniversary of the NBM’s founding is observed, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between idealism, social realities, and the unfortunate descent into criminality that has come to define the public perception of the Black Axe. The path to a safer Nigeria requires confronting this duality head-on, upholding justice, and creating a future where genuine opportunities outweigh the allure of illicit gain and violent power.
- Black Axe—Nigeria’s Most Notorious Transnational Criminal Organization – Africa Center
- Oyo police deploy officers to prevent chaos ahead of Black Axe founder’s day – The Guardian
- The Black Axe, by Sean Williams – Harper’s Magazine
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