There is growing unease in Cross River State following complaints by ex-militants who recently surrendered themselves—along with sophisticated arms and ammunition—to the state government. The government reportedly promised, among other things, to secure the release of their detained comrades, provide jobs, and offer business start-up support. However, the ex-militants claim these promises have not been honored for over a month.This was disclosed on Tuesday by the surrendered militant leaders General ThankGod Ebikontei (also known as Ayibanuagha) and General Abokolo (alias John Isaac), who reportedly entered the agreement along with hundreds of their fighters operating around the Cross River–Bakassi area.
The leaders lamented that after accepting the amnesty offer and surrendering themselves and their arms, the Cross River State Government lodged them in a hotel, only to ask them to vacate without meeting any of the promised terms. They further lamented being left stranded with nothing, expressing fears for their own security and safety now that they have given up everything.As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Cross River State Government for a reaction have proven abortive.
However, available reports from published by Premium Times, Punch Newspapers, The Guardian, TheCable, PRNigeria, Zagazola, and others confirm part of this development, adding that the January 16–17, 2026 surrender by the militants was seen as a significant success. It was further described as a “major peace breakthrough” for coastal security, achieved through collaboration between the Nigerian Army (under Operation OKWOK and 13 Brigade), police, and the Cross River State Government.
The reports add that the militants were handed over to the state’s Rapid Response Team and placed in a hotel for profiling by the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of rehabilitation and reintegration steps.Government has always shown responsibility in amnesty arrangements especially in the Niger Delta since 2009, where those who surrendered and accepted amnesty were given regard and were treated well during the process.
This recent development, where the government of Cross River State appears unwilling to follow through with the promises they reportedly made to these set of repentant militants highlights an unhealthy precedence for the future of the non-kinetic approach to security management in Nigeria. Recall that Nigeria’s Presidential Amnesty Programme (since 2009) has generally provided stipends, training, and reintegration for Niger Delta ex-militants, setting a precedent for non-kinetic (dialogue-based) security approaches. Failures here could discourage future surrenders, potentially undermining peace efforts in riverine areas prone to militancy, piracy, and oil-related unrest.
