Eighty militants have laid down their arms in Nigeria’s coastal Cross River State, marking a significant breakthrough for a regional government amnesty programme.
The Nigerian Army confirmed on Saturday that the fighters emerged from two separate camps in the Akpabuyo local government area following a sustained military operation and diplomatic outreach.
The surrender is being hailed as a major milestone for “Operation OKWOK,” a security initiative aimed at restoring stability to the volatile creeks and border communities of the Niger Delta.
Weapons and speedboats handed over
The repentant fighters belonged to two groups led by commanders known locally as “Ayibanuagha” and “Akpokolo.” Along with their surrender, the militants handed over a significant cache of hardware used for maritime and land-based operations:
- Firearms: Rifles, pump-action guns, and single-barrel weapons.
- Logistics: High-speed boats and boat engines used for creek navigation.
- Military Gear: Assorted magazines, ammunition, and other tactical equipment.
Brigadier-General Paul Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade, described the development as a “major confidence-building milestone,” attributing the success to a mix of military pressure and “constructive engagement” with the state government.
The road to reintegration
The 80 men have now been handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS), the country’s domestic intelligence agency, to determine their eligibility for formal reintegration.
Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has been pushing for a “peace-first” approach, encouraging youths involved in militancy to embrace lawful livelihoods.
“The brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths,” General Alimikhena said, urging local residents to continue providing “timely and credible information” to the authorities.
Cross River, which shares a maritime border with Cameroon, has faced challenges with piracy and kidnapping in its southern waterways. Officials hope this mass surrender will lead to a lasting reduction in violent crime across the state’s coastal corridors.
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