By Kingsley Omonobi
Calabar — The Nigerian Army has recorded a significant milestone in efforts to enhance peace, security, and stability within its 13 Brigade Area of Responsibility following the voluntary surrender of militants under the Cross River State Government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
The development was confirmed on Saturday by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, who disclosed that the militants emerged from two separate camps to participate in the programme.
“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 LGA,” Sokoya said.
He added that thirty-nine (39) fighters were presented by the first camp, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, while forty-one (41) militants surrendered from the second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, whose group is also called the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
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, twelve single-barrel guns
Ten AK-47 magazines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and eighty-four DENGUN cartridges
Three speed boats, four boat house power engines, locally fabricated weapons, and assorted military tools and accessories
Speaking on the surrender, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, 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,” he said.
Brigadier General Alimikhena added that the Brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across its area of responsibility.
Following the surrender, the militants were handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government 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 Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for its proactive role in the successful execution of the amnesty programme.
“This development underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace,” the statement noted.
The 13 Brigade reassured law-abiding citizens of its continued commitment to peace and security, urging the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to maintain stability in Cross River State.
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