The Nigerian Army has announced the voluntary surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State, marking a significant development in the state government’s amnesty and peace-building efforts.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of 13 Brigade, the militants emerged from their hideouts in the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area and surrendered under Operation OKWOK at the Atimbo Rear Area.
The surrender took place in the early hours of January 16, 2026, with the militants coming from two different camps. Thirty-nine fighters were led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, while the remaining 41 belonged to a group led by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, also known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants handed over a cache of arms and equipment, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, G3 and Mark 4 rifles, single-barrel firearms, magazines, ammunition, speedboats, boat engines, explosives, and other locally fabricated weapons.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Peter Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building achievement, attributing it to sustained military operations and effective collaboration between security agencies and the Cross River State Government.
He said the army would continue to provide security while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant youths to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Following the surrender, the former militants were handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services in Calabar.
The Nigerian Army commended the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security, and urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing credible information to sustain stability across the state.
