The Headquarters of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has announced a significant peace and security milestone following the voluntary surrender of militants under the Cross River State Government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
In the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026, a large number of militants voluntarily emerged from the creeks and presented themselves for amnesty at the Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, within Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The surrender involved fighters from two separate militant camps operating within the area.
The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, popularly known as Ayibanuagha, presented thirty-nine (39) fighters for the amnesty programme. The second group, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, presented forty-one (41) fighters. This group is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
During the exercise, the militants voluntarily surrendered a cache of arms, ammunition, and equipment. Items recovered included three (3) AK-47 rifles, two (2) pump-action guns, one (1) Mark 4 rifle, one (1) G3 rifle, twelve (12) single-barrel guns, ten (10) AK-47 magazines, three (3) speedboats, four (4) boathouse power engines, one (1) C4 charge explosive, nineteen (19) rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four (84) DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.
Reacting to the development, the Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, described the exercise as a major confidence-building achievement. He noted that the voluntary surrender reflects 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 remains committed to providing a secure environment while supporting all lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting peace and stability across the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.
Following the completion of the amnesty process, the former militants were formally handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government. They are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The Headquarters of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army commends the Cross River State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, for its unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability in the state. The proactive engagement, coordination, and support of the state government were instrumental to the success of the amnesty programme, further highlighting the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges.
The Brigade reiterates its resolve to continue working closely with the state government, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains achieved and prevent a relapse into criminality. Law-abiding citizens are assured of the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability across Cross River State.
Members of the public are encouraged to support security agencies with timely and credible information to sustain the prevailing peace and ensure a safe and secure environment for all.
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