16336 former militants demobilised

Independent online

16 May 2011

16336 former militants demobilised

The authorities implementing the Presidential Amnesty Programme of the former Niger Delta militants have disclosed that it they have trained 16,336 demobilised as part of the 20,192 that are billed to undergo non-violence transformational training in their Obubra camp in Cross River State.

Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Kinsley Kuku, who made the disclosure in Obubra on Sunday, said out of the 16,336 no fewer than 4,759 have been demobilised.

Kuku, who was represented by the Chief Security Officer, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Lt Col Adewale A. Adekoya, stated this on the occasion of the formal demobilisation of batch 13 of the former militants from the non-violence transformational training.

“As you leave here, you are joining a queue. Recall that 15, 136 trainees have already undertaken non-violence transformational training in this camp before you. In fact, your graduation today brings the demobilised number to 16, 336.

“Of the numbers that have been demobilised so far in this beautiful camp, a total of 4, 759 trainees have been placed in 59 skills acquisition/training centres in 13 states of the federation. Another 2, 618 have been slated for training outside Nigeria. Already, several of your brothers and sisters, who left this camp before you have since commenced their vocational training or formal education in South Africa, Ghana, Malaysia, Russia and the United States of America.