No fewer than 80 militants active in the Calabar creeks and parts of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily laid down their arms and turned themselves in to the Nigerian Army.
The surrender took place on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo LGA. The exercise was supervised by the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The former fighters emerged from two separate camps. One group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly called Ayibanuagha, brought forward 39 militants to participate in the amnesty programme.
Another faction, under the leadership of John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, presented 41 fighters. Isaac’s camp operates under the name Akpokolo Marine Forces, also referred to as the Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants handed over a large quantity of arms, ammunition, and operational equipment. Items recovered included three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, and one C4 explosive charge.
Security personnel also took custody of three speedboats, four boat engines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, along with assorted military kits, tools, locally made weapons, and other accessories.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General P. O. Alimikhena, described the event as “a major confidence-building milestone in ongoing efforts to enhance peace, security, and stability within the brigade’s area of responsibility.”
According to him, the decision by the militants to surrender their weapons reflected the impact of sustained military operations, constructive engagement, and cooperation with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.
Alimikhena further assured residents that the Army would continue to maintain security across the state. He added that support would remain in place for lawful programmes focused on reintegrating repentant youths and promoting long-term stability.
After the surrender, the ex-militants were formally transferred to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services, DSS, at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, the Nigerian Army praised the Cross River State Government for its commitment to peace and reaffirmed its readiness to work with stakeholders to sustain the gains and prevent a return to criminal activities.
