By Chimezie Godfrey
Cross River State achieved a historic peace milestone on Friday, 16 January 2026, as a large number of militants voluntarily surrendered under the state government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
The surrender took place at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, involving two militant camps. Thirty-nine fighters from ThankGod Ebikontei’s camp, known as Ayibanuagha, and forty-one from John Isaac’s camp, called Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, handed themselves in voluntarily.
Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a statement noted that the voluntary surrender represents a major confidence-building milestone.
He said: “This voluntary surrender represents a major confidence-building milestone. It demonstrates that sustained military operations, alongside constructive engagement and collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies, remain effective tools for restoring peace.
“Headquarters 13 Brigade will continue to provide a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths and ensuring lasting stability across our Area of Responsibility.”
On the cache of arms surrendered, Sokoya confirmed: “We received three AK-47 rifles, two pump action guns, a Mark 4 rifle, a G3 rifle, twelve single-barrel guns, ten AK-47 magazines, three speed boats, four boat engines, one C4 charge explosive, nineteen rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, eighty-four DENGUN cartridges, and other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.”
He emphasized the crucial role of the state government, saying: “The Cross River State Government under His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, provided unwavering support and coordination, which were instrumental to the success of this amnesty programme.”
Sokoya noted that the surrendered militants have been handed over to the Rapid Response Team from the state government and are undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
Highlighting civil-military collaboration, he said: “This development underscores the importance of effective cooperation between security agencies and civil authorities in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace.”
Sokoya reassured the public, stating: “Headquarters 13 Brigade is fully committed to working with the Cross River State Government, other security agencies, and stakeholders to consolidate these gains and prevent any relapse into criminality.”
He appealed to citizens: “Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. This collective effort is essential to maintaining a safe and secure Cross River State.”
He concluded: “The voluntary surrender of these militants is a testament to the effectiveness of sustained engagement and the amnesty programme. We hope it inspires further confidence in peace-building efforts across the state.”
This voluntary surrender marks a turning point for peace and stability in Cross River State, reflecting growing trust in government-led reintegration and the Nigerian Army’s role in supporting civil authorities.
Cross River Militants Surrender Arms in Historic Peace Breakthrough
