80 Militants Lay Down Arms, Embrace Amnesty in Cross River

Dozens of armed militants operating in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State have surrendered their arms and accepted the state government’s amnesty offer.

The Nigerian Army confirmed the surrender in a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya.

According to the statement, the ex-fighters emerged from two separate militant camps and voluntarily submitted themselves for disarmament.

The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 members for the programme, while the second group, headed by John Isaac, alias Akpokolo, brought forward 41 fighters under the Akpokolo Marine Forces, also referred to as the Border Boys.

The disarmament exercise was conducted in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, at Atimbo Rear Area as part of Operation OKWOK, an ongoing security operation coordinated by Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Calabar.

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During the event, the former militants surrendered an assortment of weapons and equipment. The items 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 speed boats, four outboard engines, one C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, along with various military kits, locally fabricated arms, and accessories.

Addressing the ex-militants and stakeholders at the venue, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, welcomed the development and described it as “a major confidence-building milestone.”

“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,” Brig. Gen. Alimikhena said.

He assured residents that the Army would remain committed to maintaining security in the area, adding that the Brigade would “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.”

After the disarmament process, the surrendered fighters were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, as part of procedures for their reintegration.

The Nigerian Army also praised Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his role in facilitating the success of the amnesty initiative, commending his “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability.”

“This development further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace,” the statement added.

Headquarters 13 Brigade reaffirmed its determination to build on the progress made, prevent any return to violence, and sustain peace in Cross River communities.

It further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful and timely information to aid ongoing operations.