How 80 Militants Surrendered Arms for Amnesty Deal in Cross River

The Nigerian Army has revealed how about 80 militants voluntarily surrendered arms and explosives in Cross River State as part of the state government’s amnesty programme, marking a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to restore peace in the coastal communities.

The militants, drawn from two different camps operating in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, laid down their weapons in the early hours of Friday at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, within the area, according to the Nigerian Army.

A statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, said the first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters for the amnesty programme. The second group, headed by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters.

Items voluntarily handed over during the exercise included three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, one C4 charge explosive, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 cartridges, as well as other locally fabricated weapons and assorted military kits.

Also recovered were three speed boats and four boat house power engines.

Commenting on the development, the Commander, 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Peter Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building milestone, noting that sustained military operations, combined with constructive engagement and collaboration with the Cross River State Government, were yielding positive results.

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He said the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across its area of responsibility.

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

The Nigerian Army commended the Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security, stressing that effective civil-military collaboration remained critical to consolidating the gains recorded and preventing a relapse into criminality.