Armed militants operating in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River State have voluntarily surrendered their weapons and embraced the state government’s amnesty programme.
According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Major Yemi Sokoya, the surrendered militants came from two separate camps. The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei (popularly known as Ayibanuagha), presented 39 fighters for the amnesty programme, while the second group, headed by John Isaac (alias Akpokolo), brought forward 41 fighters from the Akpokolo Marine Forces, also known as the Border Boys.
The disarmament exercise, which took place in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, at Atimbo Rear Area under Operation OKWOK, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing peace and security efforts coordinated by the Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Calabar.
During the surrender, the ex-militants handed over a substantial cache of weapons and military equipment. Items surrendered included 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 outboard engines, one C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, as well as assorted military kits, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.
Speaking at the event, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, described the development as “a major confidence-building milestone,” emphasising the effectiveness of combining military pressure with dialogue and government-led amnesty initiatives.
“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,” Brig. Gen. Alimikhena said.
He further assured that the Brigade would “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.”
Following the exercise, the ex-militants were formally handed over to the Rapid Response Team of the Cross River State Government. They are currently being profiled by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The Army commended Governor Bassey Edet Otu for his “unwavering commitment to peace, security, and stability,” noting that the state government’s proactive coordination and support were instrumental in achieving the success of the amnesty programme.
“This development further underscores the importance of effective civil-military collaboration in addressing security challenges and promoting sustainable peace,” the statement read.
Headquarters 13 Brigade reiterated its commitment to consolidating the peace gains and preventing any relapse into criminality, urging residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.
Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.
He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.
“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.
“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.
The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.
He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.
Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.
The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.
In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.
Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.
The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.
Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.