The Nigerian Army has recorded a major peace breakthrough in Cross River State following the voluntary surrender of scores of militants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area under the state government’s amnesty programme.
Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the militants emerged from their hideouts in the early hours of January 16, 2026, and laid down their arms at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo LGA.
The statement was signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
According to the Army, the militants came from two different camps.
The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters for the amnesty programme.
The second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, presented 41 fighters. The group is also known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants voluntarily surrendered a cache of arms, ammunition and other items, including three AK-47 rifles, two 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 charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and 84 DENGUN cartridges.
Other items recovered included assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons and accessories.
Speaking on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building milestone.
“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,” Alimikhena said.
He added that the Brigade would continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability within its area of responsibility.
After completing the amnesty process, 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 commended the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Edet Otu for its commitment to peace and security, noting that the state’s proactive engagement and coordination were instrumental to the success of the programme.
The statement reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to consolidating the gains recorded and preventing a relapse into criminality, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.
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