80 Militants Surrender Arms In Cross River Amnesty Programme – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has announced that no fewer than 80 militants have surrendered their weapons in Cross River State under the state government’s amnesty programme.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of the 13 Brigade.

According to the statement, the militants voluntarily came out of their hideouts in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area in the early hours of the day.

Sokoya explained that the surrender took place at the Atimbo rear area during Operation Okwok, noting that the militants came from two different camps.

He said the first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, surrendered with 39 fighters, while the second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, presented 41 fighters.

The army said the second group is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces, also referred to as the Border Boys.

During the exercise, the militants also handed over various weapons, ammunition, and equipment.

“These included three AK-47 rifles, two pump action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speed boats, four boat house power engines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories,” he said.

The Commander of the 13 Brigade, P.O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as an important step toward building trust and restoring peace in the area.

“This voluntary surrender and embrace of amnesty by these former militants clearly demonstrates that sustained military operations, combined with constructive engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remain effective tools for restoring peace,” Alimikhena said.

Alimikhena added that the brigade would “continue to provide a secure environment while supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across our area of responsibility”.

Sokoya further disclosed that after the surrender, the militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team.

He said they are currently being profiled by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

The army spokesperson praised the Cross River State Government for its role in the success of the amnesty programme, describing its commitment to peace and security as key to the outcome.

“The proactive engagement, coordination, and support provided by the state government were instrumental to the successful execution of this amnesty programme,” Sokoya said.

He added that the 13 Brigade would continue working closely with the state government and other security agencies to prevent a return to criminal activities.

He also urged members of the public to assist security agencies by providing timely and reliable information.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Federal Government recently set aside N115 billion in the proposed 2026 budget to support the reintegration of ‘transformed” ex-militants through the Presidential Amnesty Programme.