Troops of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army successfully rescued eight civilians on Monday, December 29, 2025, after militants intercepted a commercial boat along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways.
The rescue operation, conducted by personnel from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang, resulted in the safe recovery of six adults and two minors.
According to Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 13 Brigade, the intervention was triggered by credible intelligence from local community members. Reports indicated that militants had hijacked a commercial vessel and fled with the passengers.
“Acting promptly on this information, the troops immediately deployed in pursuit of the perpetrators while simultaneously blocking possible escape routes and dominating the waterways,” Major Sokoya stated.
Facing an aggressive pursuit by the Army, the kidnappers were forced to abandon their captives at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port. The militants reportedly fled further into the creeks toward the high sea to evade capture.
The eight victims were recovered unharmed and transported to the Brigade’s headquarters for documentation before being released to their families. No casualties were reported during the encounter.
Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and swift tactical execution. He emphasised that the success of the mission was a direct result of the synergy between the military and the public.
“The Commander expresses profound appreciation to members of the local community for their prompt and credible information, which was instrumental to the successful rescue operation,” the statement read.
General Alimikhena reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols along the waterways to deny criminal elements freedom of action. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with timely information to combat crime in the region.
