No fewer than 80 militants operating in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily laid down their arms and enrolled in the state government’s amnesty and reintegration programme.The militants emerged from their hideouts on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK, within the Area of Responsibility of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade Headquarters. The development is being described as a major breakthrough in efforts to curb coastal militancy and maritime crime in southern Cross River.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the mass surrender followed months of sustained military operations, combined with behind-the-scenes dialogue involving community leaders, government representatives and security agencies.Two major militant camps disbanded in a coordinated move. The first, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, with four more expected to report in the coming days.
The second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, brought forward 41 fighters. His group, commonly referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or “Border Boys,” had previously controlled large sections of the creeks linking Cross River to neighbouring coastal areas. Ten additional members of his camp are also expected to join the amnesty process.
In total, 80 militants formally exited the creeks and entered a state-supervised disarmament and rehabilitation programme. The surrender went beyond symbolic gestures, as a substantial cache of weapons and equipment was handed over. Items recovered included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, a Mark 4 rifle, a G3 rifle, several single-barrel guns, magazines, speedboats, powerful boat engines, locally made pistols and various military accessories.
Security officials were particularly concerned by the surrender of an explosive charge and live ammunition, which highlighted the level of destructive capability previously possessed by the groups. Also recovered were machetes, camouflage uniforms, tactical vests, knee and elbow guards, and communication devices, underscoring the organised nature of the militant operations. For the Nigerian Army, the quantity and quality of the surrendered items confirmed that the amnesty programme was reaching key actors, not just low-level fighters. However, officials noted that the most challenging phase lies ahead, as long-term peace will depend on effective reintegration, monitoring and economic empowerment of the former militants.
Headquarters 13 Brigade has reaffirmed its commitment to consolidating the gains achieved so far, stressing that while the path to peace remains open, security forces will continue to act firmly against any group that chooses violence over dialogue. The public has also been urged to keep providing timely and credible information to security agencies, with officials emphasising that the Akpabuyo breakthrough is not the end of the process, but a foundation for a safer and more stable Cross River State.
Source: https://zagazola.org/
