Police Arrest Six Suspected Ambazonian Separatists In Cross River
The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to ascertain their motives and any potential connections to larger separatist activities in the region.
The Cross River police has said its operatives arrested six suspected Ambazonian separatists following their incursion into the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was confirmed by DSP Ewa Igri, the spokesperson for the police command, during a press briefing in Calabar on Saturday.
The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation to ascertain their motives and any potential connections to larger separatist activities in the region.
The Ambazonia movement, led by Anglophone separatists, seeks independence from Cameroon and claims territories in the North-West and South-West regions of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that since 2017, Ambazonian rebels have been engaged in armed conflict with the Cameroonian military, a conflict referred to as the Anglophone Crisis.
The rebels have attempted to establish governments-in-exile, while supportive militias have gained control over parts of the contested territory.
The PPRO stated that the suspected separatists were arrested based on intelligence information, calling the operation a significant breakthrough for law enforcement.
He noted that the suspects, aged between 18 and 36, were presented alongside various weapons, improvised explosive devices, boots, charms, and flags.
“The separatists were apprehended following intelligence information,” he said. “On October 10, acting on a tip-off and the confession of three individuals, three additional suspects were arrested.
“Recovered items included one GPMG machine gun, one AK-47 rifle, three empty magazines, five empty G3 magazines, a bulletproof vest, and an Ambazonian army stamp.
“The case has been handed over to the state Criminal Investigation Department for thorough prosecution,” he added.
