80 Militants Surrender Arms in Cross River Amnesty Programme, says Army

The Nigerian Army (NA) says at least 80 militants have surrendered to security forces in Cross River under the state government’s amnesty programme. 

In a statement on Friday, Yemi Sokoya, assistant director, army public relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, said the militants voluntarily emerged from the creeks in Akpabuyo LGA of the state in the early hours of the day.

Sokoya said the surrender took place at Atimbo rear area, Operation Okwok, adding that the militants sprung from two separate camps.

He said the first camp, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters.

The second group is popularly known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, according to the army.

Sokoya said the militants also surrendered a cache of arms, ammunition, and other items during the exercise.

“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,” he said.

P.O. Alimikhena, commander of the 13 brigade, described the surrender as a major confidence-building milestone.

“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,” Alimikhena said.

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”.

Sokoya said the militants were handed to the Rapid Response team of the Cross River state government after the exercise.

He added that they are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

The spokesperson commended the Cross River state government for “its commitment to peace and security”.

“The proactive engagement, coordination, and support provided by the state government were instrumental to the successful execution of this amnesty programme,” Sokoya said.

He said the brigade would continue to work with the state government and other security agencies to prevent a relapse into criminality, while urging the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information.