Major Peace Deal in Cross River: 80 Militants Surrender Arms in Akpabuyo
By Raohael Ekpang
For peace and a secured state, a large number of militants in Cross River State willingly surrendered themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, under Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state.
This signalled a willingness of the people to help the security agencies secure the state against external forces and allow progress in the state in the face of a harsh economy the nation is witnessing.
A statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Major Yemi Sokoya said, “ Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that, in furtherance of ongoing efforts to enhance peace, security, and stability within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, a major milestone has been recorded with the voluntary surrender of militants in line with the amnesty programme of the Cross River State Government in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
“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.”
According to the statement, the first camp was led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, who presented thirty-nine (39) fighters for the amnesty programme. The second camp was 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
Speaking on the development, the Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, described the exercise 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. 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,” Brig. Gen. Alimikhena said.
Core Reporters report 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 (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
However, the headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army commanded the Cross River State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for its unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability in the state. “The proactive engagement, coordination, and support provided by the state government were instrumental to the successful execution of this amnesty programme.
“This development further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace.
Meanwhile, the headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army has reiterated 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.”
