About 80 militants have voluntarily surrendered under the Cross River State Government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Council Area. The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in Calabar, saying the militants emerged from the creeks in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, and submitted themselves for amnesty at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation Okwok, in Akpabuyo.

According to him, the militants came from two different camps. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second camp, known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys and led by John Isaac, also called Akpokolo, presented 41 fighters.

He said a cache of arms, ammunition and other items was voluntarily surrendered during the exercise. These included three AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, three speedboats, four boat engines, one C4 charge explosive, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 cartridges, as well as assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons and accessories.

Speaking on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, PO Alimikhena, described the exercise as a major confidence-building milestone.

He said the voluntary surrender and acceptance of amnesty by the former militants showed that sustained military operations, combined with constructive engagement and close collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remained effective in restoring peace.

Alimikhena added that Headquarters 13 Brigade would continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across its area of responsibility.