By Nkechi Eze
Cross River State has recorded a significant breakthrough in its peace and security efforts following the voluntary surrender of dozens of militants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, in a development widely seen as a boost to the state government’s amnesty programme and ongoing civil-military collaboration.
The surrender, which took place in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, saw a large number of militants emerge from the creeks and submit themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, within Akpabuyo Local Government Area, under the Area of Responsibility of Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
In an official statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, the Nigerian Army disclosed that the militants who surrendered were drawn from two separate armed camps operating in the area. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented thirty-nine fighters for the amnesty programme, while the second group, headed by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, surrendered forty-one fighters. The latter group is widely referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
The voluntary surrender was accompanied by the handing over of a significant cache of arms, ammunition and operational equipment. Items surrendered included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, Mark 4 and G3 rifles, several single-barrel guns, magazines, speed boats, boat house power engines, a C4 charge explosive, live ammunition, cartridges, as well as assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons and other accessories.
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, described the exercise as a major confidence-building milestone in the quest for lasting peace in Cross River State. He noted that the decision of the militants to renounce violence and embrace amnesty underscored the effectiveness of sustained military operations complemented by dialogue, engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.
According to him, Headquarters 13 Brigade remains committed to providing a secure environment across its Area of Responsibility while supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths into society and preventing a relapse into criminality.
Following the completion of the surrender and amnesty formalities, the former militants were formally handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, as part of processes designed to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration.
Headquarters 13 Brigade commended the Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its unwavering commitment to peace, security and stability. The Brigade noted that the proactive engagement, coordination and support provided by the state government were instrumental to the successful execution of the amnesty programme, describing the outcome as a clear demonstration of the value of effective civil-military cooperation.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to continue working closely with the state government, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains recorded and sustain peace across Cross River State. Law-abiding citizens were assured of the Brigade’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while members of the public were encouraged to support security agencies with timely and credible information in the collective effort to maintain a safe and secure environment.
