Militants in Cross River Surrender Weapons under the State Government’s Amnesty Programme
Militants in Cross River Surrender Weapons under the State Government’s Amnesty Programme
Cross River State recorded a major peace breakthrough as many militants in Akpabuyo Local Government Area surrendered their weapons under the state government’s amnesty programme.
The Nigerian Army said the surrender happened in the early hours of January 16, 2026, when the militants came out from the creeks and reported at Atimbo Rear Area in Akpabuyo.
During the exercise, the militants willingly handed over sophisticated weapons, ammunition, and other items.
The Army explained that the militants came from two known camps. One group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei (Ayibanuagha), surrendered 39 fighters, while the second group, led by John Isaac (Akpokolo), surrendered 41 fighters. Akpokolo’s group is also known as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
The Nigerian Army described the development as a positive step towards restoring peace and security in Cross River State and urged other armed groups to embrace peace.
