No fewer than 80 militants operating in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and embraced the state government’s amnesty and reintegration programme.
The militants reportedly emerged from the creeks on Friday at the Atimbo Rear Area during Operation OKWOK, within the Area of Responsibility of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade. Security analysts describe the development as a major breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to curb coastal militancy and maritime crime in southern Cross River.
According to security sources, the mass surrender followed months of sustained military operations, alongside quiet engagements involving community leaders, government officials and security agencies.
Two notorious militant camps were said to have dismantled themselves in a coordinated move. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, with four more expected to report in the coming days.
The second camp, commanded by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters. His group, widely referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or “Border Boys,” was known to control strategic waterways linking Cross River to neighbouring coastal routes. Ten additional members of the group are also expected to join the amnesty process.
In total, 80 militants have formally laid down their arms and entered the state-supervised disarmament, rehabilitation and reintegration programme.
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