80 militants embrace amnesty, surrender weapons to 13 Brigade Nigerian Army in C’River
Militants in Calabar
IDONGESIT INYANG, CALABAR
The Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Calabar, says it has recorded a major milestone with the voluntary surrender of over 80 militants with a cache of illegal arms, ammunition and other items.
The militants, appeared in two different camps with the first camp led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, who presented thirty-nine (39) fighters for the amnesty programme while the second camp was headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo explaining that his group, popularly known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, presented forty-one (41) fighters.
The surrendered ammunition, include three (3) AK-47 rifles, two (2) pump action guns, one (1) Mark 4 rifle, one (1) G3 rifle, twelve (12) single-barrel guns, ten (10) AK-47 magazines and three (3) speed boats.
Others are, four (4) boat house power engines, one (1) C4 charge explosive, nineteen (19) rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four (84) DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.
Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, who disclosed this to newsmen in Calabar, said that this is in line with the amnesty programme of the Cross River State Government in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
He further explained that, the large number of militants willingly emerged from the creeks and submitted themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, under Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
Speaking on the development, he described the exercise as a major confidence-building milestone, stating:
According to him “This voluntary surrender and embrace of amnesty by these former militants clearly demonstrates that sustained military operations, combined with constructive engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remain effective tools for restoring peace. ”
The Army Commander, said that the “Headquarters 13 Brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across our Area of Responsibility.”
Upon completion of the amnesty process, he also disclosed, the militants were formally handed over to the Rapid Response Team from the Cross River State Government and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
He commended the Cross River State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for its unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability in the state.
“This development further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace,” the Army Commander also said.
