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Militants operating in Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered dozens of fighters and weapons under a state-backed amnesty programme, Nigerian military authorities said Friday.
The surrender took place in the early hours of January 16, 2026, at Atimbo Rear Area in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, according to a statement from the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army.
The army spokesperson, Yemi Sokoya, said the militants “willingly emerged from the creeks and submitted themselves” to the amnesty initiative, in line with the Cross River State government’s initiative.
“The militants were drawn from two different camps,” Sokoya said.
One group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 members. A second group, led by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, presented 41 members. Isaac’s group is locally known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces, or the Border Boys.
According to the army, the militants voluntarily surrendered weapons and equipment, including a cache of arms, ammunition, and other items.
These 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 explosive charge, 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.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brig. Gen. P.O. Alimikhena said, “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.”
He said the army 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.”
After the surrender, the militants were handed over to a rapid response team from the state government and taken to Calabar, where they are being profiled by the Department of State Services, Sokoya said.
