No fewer than 80 militants have surrendered their arms in Cross River State under the state government’s amnesty programme, marking a major boost to peace efforts in the area.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday and posted on its official X account.
The statement was signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya.
According to the army, the militants voluntarily came out of their camps in the creeks and surrendered themselves for amnesty at the Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
The exercise took place in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026.
The army explained that the surrendered militants came from two different camps.
The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second group, led by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo and popularly called the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, presented 41 fighters.
During the exercise, the militants also handed over several weapons and equipment.
The army said the items surrendered included “three AK-47 rifles, two pump action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speed boats, four boat house power engines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, and other assorted military kits and locally fabricated weapons.”
Reacting to the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major step towards peace.
“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.
Alimikhena added that the army would continue to support peace and reintegration efforts in the state.
“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,” he said.
After the surrender, the militants were handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government and are currently being profiled by the Department of State Services at Muka Sam Hotel in Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The army also praised the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.
It urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to help maintain peace and stability across the state.
