Anglophone Crisis: Nguti population captures three ‘Amba’ fighters

The Nguti population is reported to have captured three Ambazonia separatist fighters and handed them over to the military. This would not be the first time this is happening within the locality. 

Three Ambazonia separatist fighters were captured in Ekenge, a village in Nguti, Kupe-Muanenguba division of the conflict-ridden South West region of Cameroon.

According to reports, on Sunday, October 1, 2023, the population demonstrated their strength by capturing three fighters and handing them over to the defense and security forces.

Reports further support the idea that the fighters entered the village with the goal of coercing the locals into taking part in the celebrations on October 1, which separatists observe as their independence day.

“The population was compelled to take action when three Amba fighters invaded our village on Sunday. The fighters attempted to persuade them to participate in a march commemorating what separatists call ‘Ambazonia Independence Day’.” a source said.

The fighters who have been captured and whose names have not been revealed were previously involved in harassing and extorting the local population along the Nguti-Manyemen area.

“The fighters have been seizing vehicles on the road, kidnapping individuals for ransom, and instilling fear among the local population in that area.”

In response to the recent development, the Divisional Officer for Nguti, Kelvin Etengeneng Oben, expressed his appreciation for the courage and determination shown by the local population in taking charge of their own future.

He also encouraged other villages in Nguti Subdivision, which are still facing attacks from Amba fighters, to draw inspiration from Ekenge and free themselves.

The Ambazonia fighters were apprehended in possession of two dane guns, an Ambazonia flag, and various propaganda gadgets.

It is important to note that villagers in Nguti Subdivision have previously voiced their opposition to the atrocities committed by Ambazonia and carried out actions aimed at ending the menace.

In April 2021, the Chiefs and prominent individuals of Ntali, a village in Nguti Subdivision, publicly denounced the acts of violence perpetrated by the Amba fighters. They demonstrated decisive action by apprehending more than ten of these fighters and subsequently handing them over to the military.

In October 2022, the population of Mbetta, a town situated in Upper Nkongho, Nguti Subdivision, demonstrated their proactive stance by apprehending five Amba fighters. They promptly handed over the captured individuals to the soldiers.

Similar actions have been carried out by local populations in other areas, one being the case of Mbalangi where the separatist fighters were killed.