Gun men
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In a significant development, 80 militants have surrendered their arms and embraced amnesty in Cross River State, Nigeria. The militants, drawn from two camps in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, laid down their weapons at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, as part of the state government’s amnesty programme.
The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second group, headed by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters. The items handed over included three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, one C4 charge explosive, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 cartridges, and assorted military kits .
Brigadier General Peter Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, described the surrender as a “major confidence-building milestone”. He noted that sustained military operations, combined with constructive engagement and collaboration with the Cross River State Government, were yielding positive results .
The militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar. The Nigerian Army commended the Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.
This development is part of the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The amnesty programme aims to provide former militants with training, education, and employment prospects to help them transition from a life of armed conflict to normal life.
The success of this programme is a testament to the effectiveness of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) approach, which has been implemented in various conflict zones.
