80 militants surrender weapons to Nigerian Army in Cross River (Photos)

At least 80 militants operating in the Calabar creeks and parts of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered arms and ammunition to the Nigerian Army.

The surrender took place on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo LGA, under the supervision of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

The repentant militants came from two camps. The first, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters for the amnesty programme.The second group, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, presented 41 fighters. Isaac’s group is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.

During the exercise, the militants surrendered a cache of weapons and logistics, including 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.

Other items recovered included three speedboats, four boat power engines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, as well as assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.

Speaking on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General P. O. Alimikhena, described the exercise 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 voluntary surrender demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained military operations, constructive engagement, and close collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.

Alimikhena assured that the Army would continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across the state.

Following the exercise, the former militants were formally handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services, DSS, at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, the Army commended the Cross River State government for its commitment to peace and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to consolidate the gains and prevent a relapse into criminality.

Recall that the peace in the Niger-Delta gained momentum during the tenure of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, a move even critics applauded and even recommend that it should be extended to other zones with security issues.