In a significant peace-building development, the Nigerian Army has recorded a major milestone in Cross River State with the voluntary surrender of militants under the state government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Friday via the Army’s official X account and signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, a large number of militants “willingly emerged from the creeks and submitted themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK” in the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026.
The surrender involved fighters from two camps. The first, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented thirty-nine fighters, while the second, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo and popularly called the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, presented forty-one fighters.
During the exercise, the militants voluntarily handed over an arsenal of weapons and equipment, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, a Mark 4 rifle, a G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speed boats, four boat house power engines, a C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, and other assorted military kits and locally fabricated weapons.
Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, described the surrender as “a major confidence-building milestone.” He said the voluntary compliance “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 added, “Headquarters 13 Brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across our Area of Responsibility.”
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Following the surrender, the militants were handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The Army also commended the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability,” emphasizing that strong civil-military collaboration is key to sustaining security.
The public was urged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to ensure a safe and secure environment across Cross River State.