Arms recovered as 80 militants surrender to army in Cross River

The Nigerian Army has recovered a cache of arms and ammunition after no fewer than 80 militants surrendered under the Cross River State Government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of the state.

The militants voluntarily emerged from the creeks in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, and presented themselves at Atimbo Rear Area, Operation OKWOK, within Akpabuyo.

The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this via a statement issued on Friday.

Sokoya said surrendered militants were drawn from two different camps operating in the area.

Sokoya disclosed that the first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second camp, headed by John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo, surrendered 41 fighters.

He noted that the second group is also known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.

Father seeks justice after nine-month-old twins die following immunisation

The army spokesman listed items surrendered by the militants to include 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 boat house power engines, one C4 charge explosive, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, as well as other assorted military kits, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.

Speaking on the development, the Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, described the exercise as a major confidence-building milestone.

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.

“Headquarters 13 Brigade will 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.”

Sokoya added that upon completion of the amnesty process, the militants were formally handed over to the Rapid Response Team from the Cross River State Government and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar, the state capital.

The Star