80 Former Militants Surrender in Nigeria Peace Deal

Two groups of militants walked out of the jungle and chose peace over conflict last Friday, surrendering 80 fighters and dozens of weapons in what Nigerian military leaders are calling a major victory for reconciliation.

The fighters emerged from two separate camps in Akpabuyo, Cross River State, turning themselves in under the state government's amnesty program. ThankGod Ebikontei led 39 members from his group, while John Isaac brought 41 fighters from his camp, known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces.

The groups handed over assault rifles, explosives, ammunition, speedboats, and other military equipment. Their voluntary surrender came after sustained military operations combined with outreach efforts from state officials.

Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, who commands the local military brigade, praised the outcome as proof that security and dialogue work better together than force alone. The Cross River State Government under Senator Bassey Edet Otu worked closely with military leaders to create the conditions for peace.

After surrendering, the former fighters were transferred to state officials and are now going through a profiling process. The goal is to help them reintegrate into civilian life and find paths forward that don't involve violence.

Why This Inspires

This surrender represents more than just weapons being laid down. It shows that people caught in cycles of conflict can choose different futures when given real alternatives and genuine support.

For communities in Cross River State who have lived with instability, seeing 80 armed fighters choose peace means safer neighborhoods, calmer nights, and hope that others might follow. Children can walk to school without fear, fishermen can return to their boats, and families can plan for tomorrow.

The success of this amnesty program demonstrates what's possible when governments invest in reconciliation instead of only military responses. Other regions facing similar challenges now have a working model to follow.

Peace comes when former adversaries see each other as neighbors again, and that process started in Cross River State last Friday.