The Nigerian Army has announced a significant peace breakthrough in Cross River State following the voluntary surrender of dozens of militants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area under the state government’s amnesty programme.
Headquarters 13 Brigade disclosed in a statement on Friday that 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, signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, revealed that the militants came from two separate camps.
According to the Army, the first group was led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, who presented 39 fighters for the amnesty programme. The second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters. This group is also known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants voluntarily handed over a cache of arms, ammunition and other items. These included 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 were assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons and accessories.
Commenting on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building milestone.
He said the decision of the militants to embrace the amnesty programme demonstrated that sustained military operations, coupled with constructive engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remained effective in restoring peace.
Alimikhena 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 former 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, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its commitment to peace and security, noting that the state’s proactive engagement and coordination were key 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.
