82 militants lay down arms in Cross River, embrace amnesty

In a significant step towards peace and stability in Cross River State, the Nigerian Army has announced the voluntary surrender of militants participating in the state government’s amnesty programme. The militants, who had been involved in various activities in the region, willingly laid down their arms in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.

The announcement was made on Friday via the Army’s official X handle, with Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters 13 Brigade, sharing the details. Sokoya revealed that a large group of militants “willingly emerged from the creeks” and submitted themselves for amnesty at the Atimbo Rear Area during Operation OKWOK.

The surrender exercise was conducted in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026.

According to the statement, the militants came from two separate camps. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, surrendered with thirty-nine fighters. The second group was led by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, popularly referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, and consisted of forty-one fighters.

During the process, the militants voluntarily handed over a cache of arms and equipment, 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 of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, and other assorted military kits and locally fabricated weapons.”

Reacting to the development, the Commander of the 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 surrender, the former militants were transferred 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 also commended the Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability,” while stressing the role of sustained civil-military cooperation in maintaining security across the state.

The statement further appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to ensure a safe and secure Cross River State.