A distress call alerted troops of 13 Brigade deployed at Ikang, who swiftly mobilised and pursued the assailants. The pursuit led to an exchange of fire, during which one of the pirates’ speedboats capsized.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that troops from its 13 Brigade rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, following the hijacking of a passenger boat traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon on January 11, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 13 Brigade Headquarters, said the incident occurred when suspected sea pirates, operating two speedboats and a wooden vessel, intercepted the passenger boat and abducted its occupants near Kombo Fishing Port in Cameroonian waters.
A distress call alerted troops of 13 Brigade deployed at Ikang, who swiftly mobilised and pursued the assailants. The pursuit led to an exchange of fire, during which one of the pirates’ speedboats capsized.
The attackers subsequently abandoned the kidnapped passengers and fled into the surrounding creeks. All 18 passengers were rescued unharmed.
Commending the troops for their swift response, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, said the operation reflected the Army’s resolve to protect lives and secure waterways.
“This successful rescue operation demonstrates the courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of our men and women to protect lives and ensure the safety of our waterways,” Alimikhena said.
“We will continue to dominate our operational environment and safeguard our citizens against all criminal elements.”
He also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid efforts at curbing criminal activities across Cross River State, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining security.
The operation, the Army said, underscores 13 Brigade’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining security along regional waterways.