Today In Nigerian History: 11th March

On this day in 2008, Soldiers stalked Niger Delta gang leader, Ateke Tom and reported that they found a huge cache of arms and ammunition along with an illegal pipeline used to tap stolen oil, in a raid on one of his bases…

– In August 2007 following days of gun fights between various militia groups and security forces in Port Harcourt, Ateke Tom wrote to the Governor, Celestine Omehia, requesting for amnesty in response to an offer of clemency and rehabilitation the government had offered to militia who surrendered.

– On 1 October 2009, the 49th anniversary of Nigerian independence and three days before the closing of a government amnesty program, Tom willingly surrendered to President Musa Yaradua at the Government House, Abuja. The presidential jet was sent to fly Tom to Abuja, and the President stated that “Today, Chief Tom Ateke you have given me my 49th independence anniversary gift and I cherish it so much.”