80 militants surrender arms in C’River amnesty breakthrough
The Nigerian Army has recorded a major peace milestone in Cross River State with the voluntary surrender of militants under the state government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
In a statement on Friday, posted on the Army’s official X account and signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, the army said a large number of militants “willingly emerged from the creeks and submitted themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK.”
The exercise took place in the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026.
The militants came from two camps. The first, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented thirty-nine fighters.
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, a cache of weapons and equipment was voluntarily surrendered, including “three AK-47 rifles, two pump action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speed boats, four boat house power engines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds ofq 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, and other assorted military kits and locally fabricated weapons.”
Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, described the surrender as “a major confidence-building milestone,” adding:
“This 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.
“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.”
Following the amnesty, 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 13 Brigade commended the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability,” and emphasised the importance of civil-military collaboration in sustaining security.
The army urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to maintain a safe and secure Cross River State.
Credit – punch
