In a swift and decisive operation, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued eighteen passengers, among them two infants, from the clutches of sea pirates who hijacked a passenger boat. The incident occurred along a critical maritime route connecting Nigeria and Cameroon.
Swift Response to Distress Call
The rescue mission was launched on January 11, 2026, after troops received a urgent distress call. The call reported that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speedboats and a wooden boat, were attacking a passenger vessel. Major Yemi Sokoya, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for Headquarters 13 Brigade, confirmed the details to the press in Calabar.
According to the military spokesman, the attackers had seized control of the passenger boat along the Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroonian waterways. Upon receiving the alert, soldiers from the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army who are deployed at Ikang immediately mobilized and pursued the criminals.
Daring Pursuit and Rescue
The troops' rapid pursuit led to a confrontation with the pirates. An exchange of fire ensued during the chase. The intensity of the engagement caused one of the pirates' speedboats to capsize. Under pressure from the advancing soldiers, the hijackers abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding network of creeks.
This allowed the troops to secure the passenger boat. All eighteen victims were rescued unharmed, marking a significant victory for the security forces and averting a potential tragedy.
Army Commander Commends Troops, Seeks Public Support
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P O Alimikhena, praised the soldiers involved in the operation. He stated that the mission showcased the courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the personnel to protect lives and ensure the safety of the nation's 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," General Alimikhena said. "We will continue to dominate our operational environment and safeguard our citizens against all criminal elements."
Highlighting the importance of community cooperation in the fight against crime, the Brigade Commander urged the public, particularly in Cross River State, to provide useful information to assist security forces. He stressed that such collaboration is essential for maintaining security and rooting out criminal activities in the region.
