Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A significant boost has been recorded in ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Cross River State following the voluntary surrender of dozens of militants operating within the creeks of Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The development, confirmed by Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, is being described as a major milestone in the state’s amnesty initiative and a testament to sustained security operations and strategic civil-military collaboration.
The surrender took place in the early hours of Friday, 16 January 2026, when a large number of armed youths emerged from their hideouts and presented themselves for amnesty at the Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo. Military authorities said the militants came forward willingly, signaling a growing confidence in the government’s peace-building framework and a readiness among affected youths to abandon violence.
According to the Nigerian Army, the repentant militants were drawn from two separate camps that had been active in the waterways and border communities of the area. The first group was led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, who presented 39 fighters for the amnesty programme. The second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters. The latter group is widely known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys and has been linked in the past to criminal activities along coastal routes.
In addition to laying down their arms, the militants voluntarily handed over a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and equipment. Military sources confirmed the recovery of several high-calibre firearms, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, a Mark 4 rifle, and a G3 rifle, alongside multiple single-barrel guns and loaded magazines. Also surrendered were speedboats and boat engines believed to have been used for mobility across creeks, as well as assorted military kits, locally fabricated weapons, and tools. Of particular concern to security agencies was the recovery of an explosive device, highlighting the potential threat previously posed by the armed groups.
Speaking on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a confidence-building achievement that validates the effectiveness of combining sustained military pressure with dialogue and engagement. He noted that the outcome reflected close cooperation between the Nigerian Army, the Cross River State Government, and other security agencies, stressing that such partnerships remain critical to achieving long-term peace.
The brigadier general reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating former militants into society. He emphasized that providing alternatives to violence, particularly for young people drawn into armed groups by economic hardship or local grievances, remains a key pillar of stability efforts in the region.
Following the surrender, the former militants were formally handed over to a Rapid Response Team from the Cross River State Government. They are currently undergoing profiling and documentation by the Department of State Services at a designated facility in Calabar as part of the amnesty process. Officials familiar with the programme said the profiling stage is essential to ensure proper reintegration, prevent abuse of the initiative, and address underlying security concerns.
The Nigerian Army has commended the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for what it described as unwavering commitment to peace and security. Military authorities noted that the state government’s proactive engagement, coordination, and logistical support were instrumental in the successful execution of the amnesty exercise. The development, they said, underscores the value of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing complex security challenges, particularly in riverine and border communities.
Security analysts view the surrender as a positive signal at a time when parts of the Niger Delta region continue to grapple with militancy, piracy, and criminality linked to economic deprivation and environmental degradation. They note that while amnesty programmes can yield meaningful results, sustaining peace will depend on consistent follow-through, including skills training, economic empowerment, and community reconciliation.
Residents of Akpabuyo and neighbouring communities have cautiously welcomed the development, expressing hope that the disarmament will translate into improved safety for fishermen, traders, and commuters who rely on the waterways for their livelihoods. Community leaders have also called on authorities to ensure that rehabilitated youths are meaningfully engaged to prevent a return to criminal activity.
Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to work closely with the state government, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains recorded and prevent a relapse into violence. The Brigade assured law-abiding citizens of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across its area of responsibility.
Members of the public have been encouraged to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information, a step the Army says remains vital to sustaining peace and building trust between communities and security forces. As the amnesty process continues, attention will now focus on reintegration outcomes and the broader impact on security and development in Cross River State.
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