The Nigerian Army has recorded a major peace milestone in Cross River State with the voluntary surrender of militants under the state government’s amnesty programme in Akpabuyo Local Government Area. The militants came from two camps. The second, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo and popularly called the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys, presented forty-one fighters. The 13 Brigade commended the Cross River State Government, led by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability,” and emphasised the importance of civil-military collaboration in sustaining security. The army urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to maintain a safe and secure Cross River State.

Source: Punch January 17, 2026 12:21 UTC