By Kylie M Tsudama
Impunity Watch Reporter, Africa

YENAGOA, Nigeria – Rocket launchers, gunboats, guns and bullets were surrendered by a top militant commander and nearly 1,000 of his followers on Saturday.

The government’s amnesty plan began two weeks ago and this was the biggest move since the program’s inception.

Militants in Yenagoa, capital of the Bayelsa state, cheered and danced as they turned their weapons over to the government.

Ebikabowei “Boyloaf” Victor Ben, state commander for MEND, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, and 25 commanders under his leadership delivered weapons to the police.

MEND, the largest armed group in the region, has said that it will not participate in the program as a group but that Boyloaf was free to surrender.  MEND has announced that it will end its ceasefire on September 15.  It has also suspended talks about an amnesty program with the government.

“In the midst of such sheer deceit, MEND will be compelled to resume with ferocious attacks on the oil industry at the end of our ceasefire on September 15, 2009,” the group said in a statement.

The event at the peace park had a red carpet laid out for dignitaries.  There were covered bleachers surrounding the park.  Boyloaf came wearing a hat that read “Bayelsa Peace Day” and spoke to the crowd.

“We have kept to our word to follow the part of peace.  The government should on its own part keep to the bargain of promises made,” he said.  He also apologized to the families who have suffered losses from the struggle.

Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, the spokeswoman for the presidential panel on amnesty, has said that the administration learned from past mistakes and the government would not pay for surrendered weapons this time.

“Instead, we are asking the boys what they want – to further their education, learn a trade, or take a microloan for a small business,” she said.

Officials admit that so far participation is disappointing.

“They are still worried about their safety, but they are now seeing the government means very well for them and that we will ensure their safety,” said Koripamo-Agary.

President Umaru Yar’Adua offered unconditional pardons to all militants who participate in the program.

For more information, please see:

AP – Nigerian Militants Give Up Weapons to Police – 22 August 2009

BBC – Nigeria Rebels Hand Over Weapons – 22 August 2009

Reuters UK – Nigerian Militant Group to End Ceasefire on Sept. 15 – 22 August 2009

VOA – Nigeria’s Amnesty Program Makes Slow Progress – 21 August 2009

Reuters – Nigeria Oil Militants Disarm Slowly – 20 August 2009

Impunity Watch – Nigerian Government Released 60 Day Amnesty Plan – 27 June 2009