80 Militants Surrender To Troops In Cross River, Accept Amnesty
Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army has announced the voluntary surrender of 80 militants from two camps in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
According to Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement on Friday, the voluntary surrender is in line with the amnesty programme of the Cross River State Government.
“In the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026, a large number of militants willingly emerged from the creeks and submitted themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, under Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The militants were drawn from two different camps.
“The first camp is led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, who presented thirty-nine (39) fighters for the amnesty programme. The second camp is headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo. His group, popularly known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, presented forty-one (41) fighters.
“During the exercise, a cache of arms, ammunition, and other items were voluntarily surrendered. These included three (3) AK-47 rifles, two (2) pump action guns, one (1) Mark 4 rifle, one (1) G3 rifle, twelve (12) single-barrel guns, ten (10) AK-47 magazines, three (3) speed boats, four (4) boat house power engines, one (1) C4 charge explosive, nineteen (19) rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four (84) DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories,” the statement added.
It stated that the Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building milestone 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.
“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 statement said that upon completion of the amnesty process, the militants were formally handed over to the Rapid Response Team from the Cross River State Government and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services.
The Brigade commended the Cross River State Government for its unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability in the state.
It said that the proactive engagement, coordination, and support provided by the government were instrumental to the successful execution of the amnesty programme.
“This development further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace.
“Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army reiterates its commitment to working closely with the Cross River State Government, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to consolidate these gains and prevent a relapse into criminality. The Brigade assures law-abiding citizens of its continued resolve to maintain peace, security, and stability across its Area of Responsibility.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information in a collective effort to ensure a safe and secure Cross River State.”
