At least 80 militants have voluntarily surrendered their arms in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State, marking a major boost to the state government’s amnesty programme and ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and security in the area.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Calabar, Major Yemi Sokoya, disclosed that in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, militants operating from two different camps emerged from the creeks and voluntarily presented themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, under Operation Okwok.
According to Sokoya, the first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, surrendered with 39 fighters.
The second group, identified as the Akpokolo Marine Forces, also called the Border Boys, was led by John Isaac, known as Akpokolo, and consisted of 41 fighters.
He explained that the exercise also led to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, ammunition, and other equipment.
Items surrendered included three AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, three speedboats, four boat engines, one C4 explosive, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, as well as assorted military kits, locally made weapons, and other accessories.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a “major confidence-building milestone.”
“The 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,” he said.
Alimikhena stated that the brigade would continue to ensure a secure environment while backing all legitimate efforts aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and sustaining long-term stability within its operational area.
He further revealed that following the completion of the amnesty procedures, the ex-militants were officially handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government and are presently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The brigade commander also lauded the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability in the state,” noting that the government’s proactive coordination and support were key to the successful implementation of the programme.
According to him, the exercise “further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace.”
Alimikhena reaffirmed the army’s resolve to maintain close collaboration with the state government, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains recorded and prevent a return to criminal activities.
He also urged residents to continue assisting security agencies with prompt and credible information, stressing that collective effort remains vital to ensuring a safe and secure Cross River State.
