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Cross River Achieves Major Peace Milestone as Militants Surrender in Akpabuyo
The Headquarters of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has announced a significant security breakthrough following the voluntary surrender of militants under the amnesty programme of the Cross River State Government in Akpabuyo Local Government Area.
The development occurred in the early hours of Friday, January 16, 2026, when a large group of militants emerged from the creeks and presented themselves for amnesty at the Atimbo Rear Area of Operation OKWOK in Akpabuyo. The surrender involved fighters from two separate militant camps.
The first group, led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presented 39 fighters, while the second group, headed by John Isaac, popularly known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters. The latter group is widely referred to as the Akpokolo Marine Forces or Border Boys.
As part of the amnesty process, the militants voluntarily handed over a substantial cache of weapons, ammunition, and equipment. Items recovered included three AK-47 rifles, two pump-action shotguns, one Mark 4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 12 single-barrel guns, 10 AK-47 magazines, three speedboats, four boat engines, one C4 explosive charge, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 84 DENGUN cartridges, as well as assorted military gear, tools, locally fabricated weapons, and accessories.
Commenting on the development, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, described the surrender as a major confidence-building achievement. He said the action demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained military operations combined with dialogue and strong collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.
According to him, the brigade remains committed to providing a secure environment while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant youths to ensure lasting peace across its area of responsibility.
Following the exercise, the surrendered militants were formally handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and are currently undergoing profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Muka Sam Hotel, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.
The Nigerian Army commended the Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, for its sustained commitment to peace and security. The army noted that the state’s proactive engagement and coordination played a critical role in the success of the amnesty programme, underscoring the importance of effective civil-military cooperation in addressing security challenges.
The 13 Brigade reaffirmed its determination to continue working closely with the state government, security agencies, and other stakeholders to consolidate the gains achieved and prevent a return to criminal activities. The brigade also assured residents of its continued efforts to maintain peace, security, and stability across Cross River State.
Members of the public were encouraged to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information to help sustain the prevailing peace in the state.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.