The Nigerian Army has confirmed that more than 80 militants have surrendered their weapons in Cross River State following the implementation of the state government’s amnesty programme.
The surrender took place in the early hours of Friday when the militants emerged from creek hideouts in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The exercise was carried out at the Atimbo rear area under Operation Okwok, with the fighters coming from two separate militant camps.
According to the Army, 39 fighters were surrendered by a camp led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha. Another 41 fighters came from a camp headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo. This second group is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the former militants handed over a large cache 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 power engines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, and locally fabricated weapons.
Reacting to the development, the commander of the 13 Brigade, P.O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a significant confidence-building step.
“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 Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The Army also commended the Cross River State Government for its role in the process.
“The proactive engagement, coordination, and support provided by the state government were instrumental to the successful execution of this amnesty programme.”
Security authorities said collaboration with the state government and other agencies would continue to prevent a return to criminal activities, while residents were urged to support peace efforts by providing timely and credible information.