Thousands of militants involved in disruptive activities in Arepo, Lagos, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers and Delta State, have signified their intention to submit their arms and ammunition to the Federal Government.
Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh, (retd), made this revelation during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
Boroh said that those in the Arepo area, who have expressed their readiness to disarm were about 1,500.
He revealed that he would soon write the Presidency for permission to receive the arms and ammunition from the wiling militants.
The Special Adviser to the President on the Niger Delta said that several militants were opting to disarm because of the success recorded by the Amnesty Programme.
“Since my appointment, I have come up with pragmatic steps towards ensuring stability in the Niger Delta region. For example, I am making a letter to the appropriate higher authorities to allow for disarmament at Arepo, Lagos; there are also some elements that want to do the same in Delta, Bayelsa, Akwaibom, Cross Rivers and others.”
“Some of those persons were displaced from Bakassi, some were armed and ready to disarm as well. It is more so because the Amnesty Programme is succeeding. Also, it is in the interest of the country that more people are disarming.”
“A total 1,500 are to disarm at Arepo. The figure is huge and frightening. In Delta, I am not too sure of the exact number; verification has to be made. But there is a point of contact with them. It is also the same in the other areas. We must appreciate the President for the sustenance its of this Programme.”
