13 BRIGADE NIGERIAN ARMY SUCCESSFULLY RESCUES KIDNAP VICTIMS ALONG IKANG – CAMEROON WATERWAYS

Ikang – 29 December 2025

Troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang, have successfully rescued eight kidnapped civilians following a swift and coordinated response to a distress call on 29 December 2025.

The troops received credible intelligence from members of the local community indicating that suspected militants had intercepted a commercial boat along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways and abducted eight civilians, comprising six adults and two minors. Acting promptly on this information, the troops immediately deployed in pursuit of the perpetrators, while simultaneously blocking possible escape routes and dominating the waterways.

As a result of the proactive response by the troops, the militants abandoned the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled into the creeks towards the high sea. The abandoned victims were subsequently recovered safely by the troops.
The rescued civilians were conveyed to the Brigade’s location, where they were properly documented and later released to continue their normal activities. No casualties were recorded during the operation. Troops have continued aggressive patrols along the waterways to prevent the regrouping of the fleeing militants or any further criminal activities within the area.

The Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response, and unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property. He also expressed profound appreciation to members of the local community for their timely and credible information, which was instrumental to the success of the rescue operation. He further reassured members of the public of the Brigade’s resolve to sustain aggressive patrols and deny criminal elements freedom of action within the area of responsibility.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance collective security.

YEMI SOKOYA
Major
Assistant Director, Army Public Relations
Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army
29 December 2025