Cameroonian security forces have eliminated self-styled ‘General’ JC’—a commander of the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF). This happened after he was tracked to the Lira Hotel in Bamenda. The hotel, owned by Che Ngwa Linus, is alleged to have served as a safe haven for separatist fighters. It is also alleged that it was a hub for a lucrative kidnapping-for-ransom racket.
History of Betrayal
General JC, whose real name was Funwi Christopher, was once a trusted bodyguard to prominent political figure Ni John Fru Ndi. However, sources reveal that Christopher later betrayed Fru Ndi,. He reportedly supported multiple abductions against him before Fru Ndi’s eventual death.
“General JC’s actions—first as a protector and later as a betrayer—have left deep scars in the political landscape,” commented one security analyst who wished to remain anonymous.
“His transformation from a loyal bodyguard to a militant commander responsible for atrocities, such as the Nancho Junction massacre, is a tragic chapter in our history.”
Architect of the Nacho Massacre
The Nacho Junction massacre in July 2023 remains one of the most notorious incidents linked to the ADF. Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of horror when gunmen, believed to be under General JC’s command, arrived and ordered civilians to lie down before unleashing a hail of bullets. Ten civilians lost their lives in the attack.
Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea of Bamenda was one of those who expressed his grief over the massacre at the time.
“It is a very painful moment for our community. We cannot allow these acts of violence to continue unabated.”
Alleged Role of Che Ngwa
Che Ngwa Linus, whose Lira Hotel has been implicated in providing a sanctuary for ADF operatives. He is alleged to have been reaping millions each month from ransom payments tied to kidnappings.
“The hotel is more than just a business; it’s a criminal enterprise fuelling the separatist conflict,” an investigative source explained.
It is not clear if the owner was a willing participant or was compelled to.
What Next?
With General JC now dead, questions, however, remain about the future of the ADF and the shadowy networks that support it. This particular pressing question comes as its main leader and head of the Ambazonia Governing Council (AgovC), Ayaba Cho Lucas, is in detention in Norway, accused of crimes against humanity. However, for many in the Anglophone Regions, this operation marks a significant turning point in the fight against the forces that have long terrorised the community.
“We have suffered too long. Our streets are soaked with the blood of innocents,” said one Bamenda resident.
Evelyn Ndi contributed to this report.
