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 disarmament took place on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo LGA, under the supervision of the 13 Brigade.
Two militant camps participated:
- The first, led by ThankGod Ebikontei (Ayibanuagha), presented 39 fighters.
- The second, headed by John Isaac (Akpokolo), brought forward 41 fighters. Isaac’s group is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
Weapons and Items Surrendered
The militants handed over a cache of arms and logistics, including:
- 3 AK-47 rifles
- 2 pump-action guns
- 1 Mark 4 rifle
- 1 G3 rifle
- 12 single-barrel guns
- 10 AK-47 magazines
- 1 C4 explosive charge
- 3 speedboats and 4 boat engines
- 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- 84 DENGUN cartridges
- Assorted military kits, tools, and locally fabricated weapons
Brigadier-General P. O. Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, described the exercise as a confidence-building milestone in efforts to enhance peace and stability in the region.
He said the voluntary surrender reflected the impact of sustained military operations, constructive engagement, 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 reintegration initiatives for repentant youths.
The former militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
In a statement, Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, commended the state government for its commitment to peace and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to consolidate gains and prevent a relapse into criminality.
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