80 Militants Surrender in Nigeria Peace Breakthrough

Eighty militants walked out of the creeks in southern Nigeria last Friday and chose peace over conflict. The fighters, who had been operating from hidden camps in Cross River State's coastal areas, voluntarily surrendered sophisticated weapons and asked to rejoin civilian life.

The two groups emerged from the waterways at dawn on January 16, presenting themselves at a Nigerian Army base in Akpabuyo. ThankGod Ebikontei led 39 fighters from the first camp, while John Isaac brought 41 members of his group known as the Border Boys.

The weapons cache they handed over was substantial. Three AK-47 rifles, multiple other firearms, 10 ammunition magazines, three speedboats, boat engines, and even C4 explosives were among the items voluntarily surrendered during the amnesty process.

Brigadier General PO Alimikhena called the development a confidence-building milestone. He credited sustained engagement between military forces, the Cross River State Government, and local communities for creating conditions where fighters felt safe enough to lay down arms.

After the surrender, the former militants were transferred to the state government's Rapid Response Team. They are now staying at a hotel in Calabar while security services complete registration and begin planning their reintegration into civilian life.

The Ripple Effect

This peaceful resolution demonstrates how amnesty programs can work when governments combine security operations with genuine pathways back to normal life. Eighty families now have loved ones returning home instead of continuing a dangerous existence in remote camps.

The success builds on growing momentum for peace-based approaches across Nigeria's coastal regions. When militants see former fighters successfully reintegrating and governments honoring amnesty commitments, more groups become willing to consider peaceful alternatives.

Governor Bassey Edet Otu's administration worked closely with military commanders to ensure the amnesty offer was credible and well-communicated. That collaboration created the trust necessary for fighters to risk emerging from hiding.

The army emphasized that public cooperation remains essential for maintaining the peace gains. Community members providing information and supporting reintegration efforts help ensure former militants can build new lives without returning to armed groups.

Eighty people choosing dialogue over violence is eighty reasons to believe lasting peace is possible.