…army Brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives to reintegrate repentant youths
CROSS RIVER, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Nigerian Army has achieved a major milestone in promoting 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. He stated that the militants came forward 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.
Thirty-nine (39) fighters surrendered from the first camp led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, while forty-one (41) militants came from the second camp headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, whose group is also known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants voluntarily handed over a cache of weapons and equipment, including three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, a Mark 4 rifle, a G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, one C4 explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, three speedboats, four boat engines, locally fabricated weapons, and assorted military tools.
Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, described the surrender as a “major confidence-building milestone,” emphasizing that sustained army operations, coupled with constructive engagement and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remain effective tools for restoring peace.
He added that the army Brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives to reintegrate repentant youths and ensure lasting stability in the area.
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 executing the amnesty programme, highlighting the importance of civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace.
The 13 Brigade reassured citizens of its continued commitment to security and urged the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to maintain stability in Cross River State.
