No fewer than 80 militants operating in coastal communities of Cross River State have laid down their arms and embraced the state government’s amnesty programme, the Nigerian Army has said.
The militants, who emerged from the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area early Friday, surrendered at the Atimbo rear area under Operation Okwok, according to a statement by Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade.
He said the ex-fighters came from two separate camps — one led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, with 39 members, and another headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, which surrendered 41 fighters.
The second group is widely referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the 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, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, three speedboats, four boat engines, one C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 84 DENGUN cartridges, alongside other military kits and locally fabricated weapons.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. P.O. Alimikhena, described the development as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to restore peace to the area.
He said, “This voluntary surrender and acceptance of amnesty clearly show that sustained military operations, combined with dialogue and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remain effective tools for restoring peace.”
Alimikhena added that the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment while supporting programmes aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring long-term stability.
Sokoya disclosed that the surrendered militants had been handed over to the state government’s Rapid Response Team and were undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
He commended the Cross River State Government for its commitment to peace, noting that its proactive engagement and coordination were critical to the success of the amnesty programme.
The army spokesperson urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that efforts would be sustained to prevent a relapse into criminality.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
