Cross River State recorded a major peace and security breakthrough on Friday, January 16, 2026, as scores of militants operating in Akpabuyo Local Government Area voluntarily laid down their arms in line with the state government’s amnesty programme.
The surrender, coordinated by Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, took place in the early hours at Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK, where militants emerged from the creeks and submitted themselves for rehabilitation and reintegration. The repentant fighters were drawn from two major camps operating in the area.
The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters. The latter group is widely referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
In the course of the exercise, the former militants voluntarily handed over a cache of arms, ammunition, and logistics. Items recovered included 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 power engines, one C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.
Commenting on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, described the voluntary surrender as a significant confidence-building milestone. He said the development underscored the effectiveness of sustained military operations combined with constructive engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.
According to him, the Brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting peace and stability within its Area of Responsibility.
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 at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
Headquarters 13 Brigade commended the Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its commitment to peace, security, and stability, noting that the state’s proactive engagement and support were critical to the success of the exercise.
The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the state government, sister security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains recorded and prevent a relapse into criminality. Law-abiding residents were also urged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to sustain peace across Cross River State.
