Nigerian Army has confirmed that no fewer than 80 militants have surrendered their weapons to security forces in Cross River State under the state government’s amnesty programme.
Gatekeepers News reports that the surrender took place on Friday in Akpabuyo LGA, where the militants reportedly came out from the creeks in the early hours of the day.
The development was disclosed in a statement by Yemi Sokoya, assistant director of army public relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade.
According to the army, the exercise was carried out at the Atimbo rear area under Operation Okwok, with the militants emerging from two different camps.
One of the camps, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters. The latter group is widely referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
Sokoya said the militants also handed over several weapons, ammunition, and other items during the surrender.
He said, “These included three AK-47 rifles, two pump action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speed boats, four boat house power engines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.”
The commander of the 13 Brigade, P.O. Alimikhena, described the development as a significant step toward peace in the state.
Alimikhena said, “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 itsarea of responsibility.
The army spokesperson said the surrendered militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are currently being profiled by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
Sokoya commended the Cross River State Government for its role in the process, noting that the proactive engagement, coordination, and support provided by the state government were instrumental to the successful execution of the amnesty programme.
He added that the army would continue working with the state government and other security agencies to prevent a return to criminal activities, while calling on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
