No fewer than 80 armed militants have laid down their weapons in Cross River State, the Nigerian Army has confirmed, following the state government’s ongoing amnesty initiative
The surrender happened in the early hours of Friday when the fighters emerged from creek hideouts in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. According to the army, the exercise was carried out at the Atimbo rear area under Operation Okwok.
Yemi Sokoya, assistant director of Army Public Relations for Headquarters 13 Brigade, explained that the militants came from two different camps. He said one group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, turned in 39 fighters, while another camp under John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters.
The second faction is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the former militants handed over a large number of weapons and equipment, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speedboats, four boat house engines, one C4 explosive charge, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, alongside other military gear, tools, and locally made weapons.
Reacting to the development, the commander of 13 Brigade, P.O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a significant step toward peace.
“This voluntary surrender and embrace of amnesty by these former militants clearly demonstrates that sustained military operations, combined with constructive engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remain effective tools for restoring peace.”
He added that the brigade would “continue to provide a secure environment while supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across our area of responsibility”.
After the surrender, the militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
Sokoya praised the state government for its role in the process, noting that its commitment played a key part in the outcome.
“The proactive engagement, coordination, and support provided by the state government were instrumental to the successful execution of this amnesty programme.”
He added that the army would continue working closely with the state government and other security agencies to prevent a return to criminal activities, while calling on residents to support security efforts with timely and credible information.
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