PICTORIAL: 82 Militants Lay Down Arms, Embrace Amnesty In Cross Rivers

Armed militants operating in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and embraced the state government’s amnesty programme.

According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Yemi Sokoya, the surrendered militants came from two separate camps. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei (popularly known as Ayibanuagha), presented 39 fighters for the amnesty programme, while the second group, headed by John Isaac (alias Akpokolo), brought forward 41 fighters from the Akpokolo Marine Forces, also known as the Border Boys.

The disarmament exercise, which took place in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, at Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing peace and security efforts coordinated by the Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar.

During the surrender, the ex-militants handed over a substantial cache of weapons and military equipment. Items surrendered 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 speed boats, four outboard engines, one C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, as well as assorted military kits, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.

Speaking at the event, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, described the development as “a major confidence-building milestone,” emphasising the effectiveness of combining military pressure with dialogue and government-led amnesty initiatives.

“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,” Brig. Gen. Alimikhena said.

He further assured that the Brigade would “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.”

Following the exercise, the ex-militants were formally handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government. They are currently being profiled by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

The Army commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability,” noting that the state government’s proactive coordination and support were instrumental in achieving the success of the amnesty programme.

“This development further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace,” the statement read.

Headquarters 13 Brigade reiterated its commitment to consolidating the peace gains and preventing any relapse into criminality, urging residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.

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