The police command in Cross River says it has detained six suspected Ambazonian rebels for interrogation, after invading Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ewa Igri, confirmed their detention to journalists in Calabar on Saturday.

Ambazonia is a political entity proclaimed by Anglophone separatists, who are seeking independence from Cameroon.

The separatists claim that Ambazonia should consist of the North-West region and South-West region of Cameroon.

Since 2017, Ambazonian rebels have engaged in armed conflict with the Cameroonian military, in what is known as the Anglophone Crisis.

The rebels have attempted to set up governments-in-exile, and supportive militias have exerted control over parts of the claimed territory.

The command’s spokesperson, who said the suspected separatists were arrested following intelligence information, described the feat as a breakthrough for the law enforcement agency.

He said that the suspects, whose age ranges between 18 and 36, were paraded with various weapons, improvised explosives devices, booths, charms and flags.

He added that they were found with various weapons, improvised explosives devices, charms and flags.

“The separatists were arrested following intelligence information,” he said.

“On Oct. 10, through a tip-off, and based on the confession of the three, three others were arrested.

“Items recovered included one GPMG machine gun, one Ak-47 rifle, three empty magazines, five empty G3 magazines, bullet proof, and Amazonian army stamp.

“The case has been transferred to the state CID for diligent prosecution,”he said.

(NAN)