No fewer than 80 militants active in the Calabar waterways and parts of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their weapons to the Nigerian Army in a significant boost to regional security efforts.
The disarmament exercise took place on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo LGA and was coordinated by troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The former militants emerged from two separate camps. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters to embrace the ongoing amnesty and reintegration initiative. The second faction, headed by John Isaac, alias Akpokolo, accounted for 41 fighters. Isaac’s group is commonly referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
At the event, the ex-combatants handed over a range of weapons and operational assets, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action shotguns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, and a C4 explosive device.
Additional items recovered included three speedboats, four outboard engines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, assorted military uniforms and kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and other accessories previously used for militant activities.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General P. O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a critical confidence-building achievement in the ongoing campaign to restore peace and stability within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
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According to him, the decision by the militants to lay down their arms reflects the impact of sustained military pressure, continuous dialogue, and effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army, the Cross River State Government, and other security agencies.
Brigadier-General Alimikhena reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment while supporting lawful programmes designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate repentant youths, noting that such efforts are essential to achieving long-term stability in the state.
Following the exercise, the former militants were officially handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team. They are currently undergoing profiling and documentation by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, the Nigerian Army commended the Cross River State Government for its sustained commitment to peace and security. The Army also pledged continued partnership with relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains recorded and prevent any return to criminal activities in the area.
