Cross River Militants Surrender Arms Under State Amnesty Programme
On January 16, 2026, in a notable peace initiative, 80 militants from two camps surrendered in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River State, under the state's amnesty programme. Thirty-nine militants from ThankGod Ebikontei's camp and forty-one from John Isaac's camp voluntarily laid down their arms, which included three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, and other military supplies.
This surrender reflects effective collaboration between the Nigerian Army, led by Major Yemi Sokoya, and the Cross River State Government under Governor Bassey Edet Otu. The militants were handed over to the state’s Rapid Response Team and are being profiled by the Department of State Services. This event is seen as a crucial confidence-building measure towards restoring stability in the region.
