Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have successfully rescued eight civilians abducted by suspected militants along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways in Cross River State.
The rescue operation was carried out on December 29, 2025, by troops operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ikang, following a distress alert from members of the local community. According to the Army, the victims—six adults and two minors—were kidnapped after militants intercepted a commercial boat navigating the waterways.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops launched an immediate pursuit, blocking possible escape routes and dominating the waterways to prevent the kidnappers from fleeing. The rapid response forced the militants to abandon the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port before escaping into nearby creeks towards the high sea.
The abandoned civilians were safely recovered by the troops and conveyed to the Brigade’s headquarters, where they were documented and subsequently released. No casualties were recorded during the operation.
The Army said patrols have been intensified across the waterways to prevent the fleeing criminals from regrouping or carrying out further attacks.
Commending the operation, the Commander of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, praised the troops for their professionalism and swift response.
He also expressed appreciation to the local community for providing timely and credible information that contributed 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 in the area, while urging the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence.
