80 Militants Surrender Arms, Join Amnesty Programme in Cross River
In a major boost to security in southern Cross River, at least 80 militants operating in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and enrolled in the state government’s peace and reintegration amnesty programme.
The militants emerged from the creeks on Friday at Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK, coordinated by the Nigerian Army’s Headquarters 13 Brigade. Security sources said the surrender followed months of sustained military pressure, discreet dialogue, and engagement with community leaders and government officials.
Two militant camps, acting in coordination, handed over their fighters. The first camp, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, known as Ayibanuagha, surrendered 39 members, with four more expected to join. The second, commanded by John Isaac, alias Akpokolo, known for controlling large stretches of waterways, turned in 41 fighters, with ten additional members anticipated.
The disarmament involved the voluntary handover of a substantial cache of weapons and equipment, including AK-47s, G3 rifles, pump-action guns, speedboats, high-powered engines, machetes, tactical gear, communication tools, and even an explosive charge with live ammunition, highlighting the destructive potential these groups once possessed.
Brig.-Gen. P.O. Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, described the development as a “confidence-building milestone” that validates the military’s dual approach of pressure and dialogue. “This voluntary surrender shows that consistent operations, coupled with constructive engagement and collaboration with the Cross River State Government, can deliver peace,” he said.
After disarmament, the former militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar to verify identities, assess security risks, and determine eligibility for rehabilitation, skills training, and reintegration support.
Akpabuyo, a strategic maritime corridor linking inland communities to coastal and cross-border trade routes, has long been affected by sea robbery, illegal taxation of fishermen, extortion, and violent turf battles. The mass withdrawal of these militants marks a significant operational and psychological shift, signaling that armed militancy is no longer the dominant survival strategy in the area.
The Nigerian Army credited the success to “effective civil-military collaboration” and the support of the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Edet Otu, emphasizing that continued reintegration, monitoring, and economic empowerment will be key to sustaining lasting peace.
Authorities have urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence, noting that while the breakthrough is significant, it marks the beginning of a broader effort to ensure a safer and more stable Cross River State.
