Ngeh Cyprian, better known in the restive North-West region of Cameroon as “Major General The Only Bro,” has long been feared for his ruthless leadership of a separatist armed faction. Known for violent raids, kidnappings, and extortion, Cyprian styles himself as a freedom fighter in the Ambazonian struggle. But an exclusive new video obtained by MMI has exposed a glaring contradiction. Prominently displayed on a wall in Cyprian’s residence is a framed photograph of President Paul Biya. This is the very symbol of the regime he claims to be fighting.
People typically find the image in the homes of the most loyal supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM), making it a rare sight in separatist strongholds. Its presence has ignited a firestorm of speculation and cast fresh doubt on Cyprian’s true allegiances.
To make matters worse, some Ambazonia social media content creators have been desperately trying to attack MMI rather than address the glaring contradiction.
A Man of Many Faces
Cyprian publicly pledges allegiance to Samuel Ikome Sako, the self-proclaimed president of Ambazonia and a polarising figure within the fragmented separatist leadership. Sako faces criticism for leading a movement filled with infighting and poor coordination, yet he still commands loyalty from a few field commanders, such as Cyprian.
Which individual do Ambazonian fighters, such as Ngeh Cyprian, privately regard as their president? Is it Sako Ikome Samuel, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, Marianta Njomia, Chris Anu, or Ayaba Cho Lucas? MMI’s exclusive footage of Cyprian’s home suggests a lack of veneration for any of these individuals in private. The unmistakable presence of Paul Biya’s portrait, carefully positioned in his living quarters, suggests a far more complex and very troubling reality. It raises the possibility that Cyprian may privately venerate the very leader he professes to oppose.
A Bloody Trail
Cyprian’s record is stained with civilian blood. On February 19, 2025, his forces invaded Bamessing, killing at least five civilians. Eyewitnesses recount the horrifying execution of a woman and her newborn, forcibly taken from a Catholic church.
Days later, on February 22, Cyprian’s fighters targeted a funeral in Kedjom Ketinguh. They kidnapped several mourners, stole four vehicles, and demanded a ransom of 28 million FCFA. Earlier in January, he was responsible for the assassination of Leo Vishi Newuh.
His campaign of terror stretches back to August 2024, when he issued an ultimatum to the people of Bamukumbit. He asked them to either raise 12 million FCFA for weapons or face mass abductions.
Most recently, on April 3, 2025, Cyprian attacked Kedjom Ketinguh again. He fired gunshots into the air and abducted two individuals: the wife of prominent local businessman Bah Awongie and a man named Kenneth. From an audio made by Cyprian himself, it has emerged that a third person, a businessman in Bamessing known as Anton, was also kidnapped. Cyprian tried to distance himself from the act, saying it was other separatist fighters. However, he failed to explain how he claims to control the area and such a brazen action took place without his knowledge and say-so.
Separatists Target Civilians with ID Cards
The recent discovery in Cyprian’s house comes as other separatist fighters belonging to the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF) loyal to Ayaba Cho Lucas have been targeting civilians who carry national ID cards issued by the Cameroonian government. These acts, often resulting in torture, detention, or death, are justified by the separatists as punishment for “loyalty” to the state. However, they serve only to deepen the suffering of ordinary people caught between two brutal forces.
In this context, the presence of Paul Biya’s image in Cyprian’s house is not just ironic; it is hypocritical. The same man who orders attacks on civilians for supposedly having links to the Cameroon government appears to revere the head of that government in private.
Strategic Symbol or Smoking Gun?
Some analysts argue that the Biya portrait might be symbolic — an artifact left behind, or even a mockery of the regime. Others suspect it could be evidence of deeper ties: possibly an attempt by Cyprian to maintain a line of communication with regime elements or benefit from covert protection.
“This could mean Cyprian is not just a rogue actor but a pawn in a larger political chess game,” said a local security analyst who asked not to be named for safety reasons. “His brutality could be serving multiple masters.”
The Credibility Crisis of the Ambazonian Movement
The video revelation has only widened the internal rift among separatist factions. Critics argue that commanders like Cyprian undermine the moral legitimacy of the Ambazonian cause. The movement started as a drive for self-determination and the protection of Anglophone rights, but abuses, internal rivalries, and a lack of coherent leadership have tarnished its reputation.
Meanwhile, civilians in the North-West and South-West regions remain trapped in a deadly limbo. They suffer at the hands of both state security forces and separatist militias. Every day, they navigate a minefield of loyalty tests, ransom demands, and sudden violence.
What Lies Ahead?
The revelation of this bizarre contradiction about a separatist warlord honouring the president he claims to despise raises uncomfortable truths about the motivations of those driving the conflict. As Cameroon’s Anglophone regions continue to bleed, it becomes increasingly clear that for some, this war is less about liberation and more about power, profit, and personal gain.
The people of Kedjom Ketinguh and beyond deserve better than warlords in camouflage and politicians in exile. They deserve peace, justice, and truth — none of which are hanging on the walls of Ngeh Cyprian’s house.
