Over 80 Militants Surrender Weapons to Nigerian Army in Cross River

More than 80 militants have voluntarily surrendered weapons and ammunition to the Nigerian Army following sustained security operations in Cross River State.

The surrender exercise was conducted by the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

According to the Army, the militants had been active in the Calabar creeks and surrounding communities, contributing to insecurity in the area before choosing to lay down their arms.

The surrender involved two separate groups of repentant militants.

The first group presented 39 former combatants for the amnesty programme.
It was led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha.

The second group consisted of 41 combatants, led by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo.

Isaac’s group is commonly referred to as the Border Boys or Akpokolo Marine Forces.

Together, the groups marked a major development in efforts to curb armed activity in southern Cross River.

During the exercise, the militants surrendered a significant cache of weapons and logistics, including:

• Three AK-47 rifles

• Two pump-action guns

• One Mark 4 rifle

• One G3 rifle

• Twelve single-barrel guns

• Ten AK-47 magazines

• One C4 explosive charge

Additional items recovered included:

• Three speedboats

• Four boat power engines

• 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition

• 84 DENGUN cartridges

• Various military kits, tools, and accessories

• Locally fabricated weapons

The Nigerian Army confirmed that all recovered items are now secured.

Speaking on the development, Brigadier-General P. O. Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade, described the exercise as a major breakthrough.

He said the voluntary surrender of the militants highlights the impact of:

• Sustained military operations

• Strategic community engagement

• Strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government

• Cooperation with other security agencies

According to him, these combined efforts have helped build trust and encourage dialogue over violence.

Brigadier-General Alimikhena assured that the Nigerian Army would continue to support lawful efforts to reintegrate repentant youths and maintain long-term stability across the state.

Following the surrender, the former militants were formally handed over to the Cross River State Government Rapid Response Team.

The Department of State Services (DSS) is currently profiling them at the Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar, as part of the rehabilitation and reintegration process.

In a statement signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, the Army commended the Cross River State Government for its commitment to peace.

The statement reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to continue working with stakeholders to consolidate gains and prevent a return to criminal activities.