Arms Recovered as 80 Militants Submit to Amnesty in Cross River

A large cache of weapons and equipment was recovered in Cross River State after 80 militants operating in Akpabuyo Local Government Area surrendered to security forces under the state government’s amnesty programme.

The Nigerian Army said the surrender took place in the early hours of January 16, 2026, at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK, where the militants emerged from surrounding creeks to accept the offer of amnesty. The group comprised fighters from two camps led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, and John Isaac, popularly called Akpokolo.

Security authorities confirmed that the surrendered items included assault rifles, pump-action guns, locally fabricated weapons, ammunition, explosives, speedboats, boat engines, and assorted military kits. The scale of the recovery, according to the army, highlights the impact of sustained security operations and dialogue in the area.

Commenting on the development, Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, said the exercise marked a key step toward restoring lasting peace in the state. He added that the former militants have been handed over to the Cross River State Government for profiling and reintegration, while urging continued public cooperation with security agencies to maintain stability.