Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, after a passenger boat was hijacked along the Nigeria–Cameroon waterways.
The incident occurred on January 11, 2026, when suspected sea pirates intercepted a boat operating along the Kombo Fishing Port axis in Cameroonian waters. The attackers, who reportedly arrived in two speedboats and a wooden vessel, abducted passengers travelling between Cameroon and Nigeria.
The rescue was confirmed in a statement released on Monday by the Brigade’s Assistant Director of Public Relations, Major Yemi Sokoya, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X page.
According to the statement, a distress call alerted security forces that pirates had seized a passenger boat en route from Cameroon to Nigeria and kidnapped its occupants within the Kombo Fishing Port area.
Troops of 13 Brigade stationed at Ikang immediately responded and pursued the assailants. During the operation, an exchange of fire ensued, causing one of the pirates’ speedboats to capsize. The attackers subsequently abandoned the passengers and escaped into nearby creeks.
“All 18 passengers, including two infants, were rescued unharmed,” the statement said.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, commended the troops for their swift and professional response, describing the operation as a demonstration of the army’s commitment to protecting lives and securing the waterways.
“This successful rescue operation reflects the courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication of our personnel to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Alimikhena said, adding that the brigade would continue to dominate its operational environment and combat criminal activities.
He also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, noting that community cooperation remains crucial to sustaining security across Cross River State.
The Army said the operation underscores the 13 Brigade’s resolve to safeguard lives and maintain safety along regional waterways.