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Swift Military Response Prevents Kidnapping at Sea, Rescues 18 Near Cameroon Coastline
In a remarkable display of maritime security, Nigeria’s 13 Brigade successfully liberated 18 individuals, including two infants, who were taken hostage during an armed hijacking of a passenger ferry en route from Nigeria to Cameroon.
Details of the Hijacking Incident
On January 11, 2026, within Cameroonian territorial waters near Kombo Fishing Port, a passenger ferry was ambushed by armed criminals operating at sea. According to Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 13 Brigade Headquarters, the assailants launched their attack using two high-speed motorboats and a traditional wooden canoe, coordinating their assault to seize control of the vessel.
Rapid Military Engagement and Hostage Liberation
Responding promptly to distress signals, troops stationed at Ikang swiftly confronted the pirates in a fierce firefight. The intense exchange resulted in one of the attackers’ speedboats capsizing, compelling the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding mangrove forests. Impressively, all 18 hostages were rescued without injury, underscoring the effectiveness of the military’s rapid intervention.
Leadership Commends Troops for Bravery and Professionalism
Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, commander of the 13 Brigade, praised the soldiers for their decisive and skillful response. He emphasized that this operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and securing the nation’s waterways against piracy and other maritime threats.
Strengthening Community Collaboration to Enhance Maritime Safety
The Brigade Commander called on local communities in Cross River State to actively support security efforts by sharing timely intelligence. He stressed that a collaborative approach between residents and security forces is vital to preventing future maritime crimes and maintaining peace along Nigeria’s coastal and riverine regions.
Ongoing Commitment to Protecting Nigeria’s Waterways
This successful rescue mission reaffirms the 13 Brigade’s continuous commitment to defending citizens and ensuring stability across Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterways, contributing significantly to regional security and prosperity.
