By BANNERNEWS Reporter
No fewer than 80 militants have voluntarily surrendered their arms and submitted themselves for amnesty under the Cross River State Government’s programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, marking a major boost to peace and security efforts in the state.
The Nigerian Army said the surrender took place in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, within the Area of Responsibility of Headquarters 13 Brigade, following sustained security operations and engagement.
According to the Army, the militants emerged from the creeks and were drawn from two camps operating within the coastal axis of Akpabuyo. The first camp, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters.
John Isaac’s group, known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, was said to have been active along the waterways before opting for the amnesty initiative promoted by the state government.
During the exercise, the militants voluntarily surrendered a cache of weapons and equipment, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, three speedboats, four boat house engines, one C4 charge explosive, and assorted ammunition and military kits.
Speaking on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building milestone, attributing it to sustained military operations and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.
He said the development demonstrated that constructive engagement and coordinated security efforts remain effective tools for restoring peace, assuring that the Brigade would continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths.
Following the completion of the amnesty process, the former militants were formally handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The Nigerian Army commended the Cross River State Government, under Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its commitment to peace and security, and reiterated its resolve to work with relevant stakeholders to consolidate gains, prevent a relapse into criminality, and ensure lasting stability across the state.
