13 BRIGADE TROOPS RESCUE 18 PASSENGERS AFTER BOAT HIJACKING

Ikang, Cross River State | 11 January 2026

Troops of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, following a hijacking incident involving a passenger boat traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon.

The incident occurred on 11 January 2026, when a distress call alerted security forces that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speedboats and one wooden boat, had hijacked a passenger vessel en route from Nigeria to Cameroon. The passengers were abducted around the Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroon waterways.

Responding swiftly to the distress call, troops of 13 Brigade deployed at Ikang immediately pursued the criminals. The pursuit led to an exchange of fire, during which one of the pirates’ speedboats capsized, forcing the attackers to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding creeks. All 18 passengers were rescued unharmed.

Commending the troops for their prompt and professional response, the Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, stated:

“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. We will continue to dominate our operational environment and safeguard our citizens against all criminal elements.”

The Brigade Commander further urged members of the public to provide timely and meaningful information to assist troops in combating criminal activities across Cross River State, emphasizing that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining security.
The operation underscores 13 Brigade’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding lives and maintaining security across regional waterways.

YEMI SOKOYA
Major
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army
11 January 2026