Army announces surrender of 80 militants in Cross River
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 80 militants operating in Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered under the state government’s amnesty programme. Troops of 13 Brigade reported that the ex‑fighters emerged from the creeks in Akpabuyo Local Government Area and presented themselves for amnesty at the Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK. According to the army, the militants were drawn from two notorious camps led by ThankGod Ebikontei, alias Ayibanuagha, and John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, whose “Border Boys” group had long terrorised waterways around the Calabar–Oron axis. The group handed over assorted weapons and ammunition, marking what officers described as a major confidence‑building milestone in efforts to stabilise the region. Commander 13 Brigade, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, said the breakthrough reflects the impact of sustained military operations combined with dialogue and close collaboration with the Cross River State Government […]