No fewer than 80 militants operating in the Calabar creeks and parts of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their arms and ammunition to the Nigerian Army.
The surrender took place on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo LGA and was supervised by the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The repentant fighters came from two camps. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 militants for the amnesty programme, while the second group, led by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, presented 41 fighters. Isaac’s group is known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants handed over 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 engines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 cartridges, as well as assorted military kits, tools and locally fabricated weapons.
Commenting on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier-General P. O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building step toward improving peace, security and stability in the area.
He said the voluntary disarmament reflected the impact of sustained military operations, dialogue and 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 efforts to reintegrate repentant youths and ensure lasting peace across the state.
After the exercise, the former 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 Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade Headquarters, Major Yemi Sokoya, the Army commended the state government’s commitment to peace and pledged continued cooperation to consolidate the gains and prevent a return to criminal activities.
