Following the voluntary surrender of several terrorists in Akpabuyo Local Government Area as part of the state government’s amnesty program, the Nigerian Army reported a significant peace breakthrough in Cross River State.
The militants emerged from their hiding places in the early hours of January 16, 2026, and put down their weapons at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo LGA, according to a statement released on Friday by the Nigerian Army’s Headquarters 13 Brigade.
Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, signed the statement.
The Army claimed that the insurgents were from two distinct groups.
39 fighters were offered for the amnesty program by the first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha.
There were forty-one combatants from the second camp, which was led by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo. The group is sometimes referred to as the Border Boys or Akpokolo Marine Forces.
Three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speedboats, four boat engines, one C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and eighty-four DENGUN cartridges were among the weapons and ammunition that the militants willingly turned over during the exercise.
Various military kits, tools, and locally made guns and attachments were among the other items found.
Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, the commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, spoke about the development and called the surrender a significant milestone in boosting confidence.
“Sustained military operations, along with constructive engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remain effective tools for restoring peace,” Alimikhena stated, citing the former militants’ voluntary surrender and acceptance of amnesty.
He went on to say that the Brigade will continue to offer a safe atmosphere while assisting legitimate programs meant to reintegrate young people who had turned their lives around and guarantee long-term stability under its jurisdiction.
The militants were turned over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team after completing the amnesty process, and the Department of State Services is currently profiling them in the Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The Army praised the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its dedication to peace and security, pointing out that the program’s success was largely due to the state’s proactive participation and coordination.
The statement urged the public to continue providing timely and reliable information to security authorities while reiterating the Nigerian Army’s commitment to consolidating the gains made and avoiding a return to criminal activity.
