Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have rescued eight civilians abducted by suspected militants along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways in Cross River State.
The victims were freed following a swift and coordinated operation by soldiers operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang after a distress call was received on December 29, 2025.
This was made known in a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Yemi Sokoya, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s Facebook page on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the troops acted on credible intelligence from members of the local community indicating that armed militants had intercepted a commercial boat on the waterway and kidnapped eight passengers, including six adults and two minors.
Upon receiving the information, the soldiers immediately launched a pursuit of the suspects, blocked possible escape routes and dominated the waterways to prevent the kidnappers from fleeing with the victims.
The pressure mounted by the troops forced the militants to abandon the captives at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port before escaping into the creeks toward the high sea.
The abandoned victims were subsequently recovered safely by the soldiers.
The rescued civilians were conveyed to the Brigade’s headquarters, where they were properly documented and later released to safety. No casualties were recorded during the operation.
Following the rescue, troops intensified patrols along the waterways to forestall any attempt by the fleeing militants to regroup or carry out further criminal activities.
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Commending the operation, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, praised the troops for their professionalism, swift response and dedication to protecting lives and property.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the local community for providing timely and credible information that led to the successful rescue.
Brigadier General Alimikhena reassured residents of the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols and denying criminal elements freedom of action within the area.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with prompt and reliable information to enhance safety and security across the waterways.