80 Militants Surrender Arms in Historic Amnesty Breakthrough In Cross River
.,.....Two camps lay down weapons, boats , others in Akpabuyo,
The Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has announced a significant peace milestone in Cross River State.
On Friday, January 16, 2026, a large group of militants voluntarily surrendered in Akpabuyo Local Government Area under the state’s amnesty programme.
According to a statement by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters 13 Brigade, issued the statement on January 16, explained that in the early hours, fighters emerged from creeks and turned themselves in at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK.
They came from two camps: one led by ThankGod Ebikontei (aka Ayibanuagha), who brought 39 fighters; the other headed by John Isaac (aka Akpokolo) of the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, with 41 fighters.
The group surrendered a substantial arms cache, including:3 AK-47 rifles 2 pump action guns1 Mark 4 rifle 1 G3 rifle 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines 3 speed boats , 4 boat house power engines, 1 C4 charge explosive , 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition,84 DENGUN cartridges, Assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories .
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Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, hailed the event as a “major confidence-building milestone.”
He stated: “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.
”The surrendered militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are now being profiled by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.” He said
The Brigade commended Governor Senator Bassey Edet Otu for his leadership and proactive support, which were key to the programme’s success.
He emphasized ongoing civil-military collaboration to sustain peace and urged the public to provide timely information to security agencies.