No fewer than 80 militants operating in the Calabar creeks and parts of Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, have voluntarily surrendered their arms and ammunition to the Nigerian Army.

The surrender took place on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK, under the supervision of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

The repentant militants came from two camps:

• Camp 1: Led by ThankGod Ebikontei, aka Ayibanuagha, presenting 39 fighters for the amnesty program.
• Camp 2: Led by John Isaac, aka Akpokolo, widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, presenting 41 fighters.

During the exercise, a variety of weapons and equipment were surrendered, including:

• Firearms: 3 AK-47 rifles, 2 pump-action guns, 1 Mark 4 rifle, 1 G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns
• Ammunition & explosives: 10 AK-47 magazines, 1 C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges
• Logistics & equipment: 3 speedboats, 4 boat power engines, 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, emphasizing that the voluntary surrender reflects the effectiveness of sustained military operations, constructive engagement, and collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.

The former militants were formally handed over to the 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, the Army commended the state government for its commitment to peace and pledged continued collaboration with stakeholders to consolidate gains and prevent a relapse into criminality.