Cross River State recorded a major security breakthrough on Friday as more than 80 militants operating in Akpabuyo Local Government Area voluntarily surrendered their arms and embraced the state government’s amnesty programme.
The surrender, facilitated by Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army under Operation OKWOK, took place in the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026, at Atimbo Rear Area in Akpabuyo.
According to the Army, the militants emerged willingly from the creeks and submitted themselves for the amnesty process without coercion.
In a statement signed by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the militants came from two separate camps.
The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second group, led by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters. Isaac’s camp is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces, also known as the Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants also surrendered a large cache of weapons, ammunition and operational equipment.
Items recovered 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 house power engines, one C4 charge explosive, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 84 DENGUN cartridges, alongside other locally fabricated weapons, military kits and accessories.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, described the development as a turning point in efforts to restore stability in the area.
“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,” he said.
“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 formal disarmament, the militants were handed over to a Rapid Response Team from the Cross River State Government. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar, as part of the reintegration process.
The Nigerian Army commended the Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for what it described as unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the state. The Army noted that the government’s proactive engagement and coordination played a critical role in the success of the amnesty exercise.
According to the statement, the development “further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace.”
Members of the public were encouraged to support security agencies by providing timely, credible information to strengthen collective efforts toward a safer Cross River State.
The Army also assured residents that it would continue to maintain a strong security presence across its Area of Responsibility.
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