In a swift and decisive operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade successfully rescued eight civilians who were kidnapped by suspected militants along the vital Ikang-Cameroon waterways on Sunday, December 29, 2025.
The successful rescue was triggered by a vital tip-off from vigilant members of the local community. They alerted the Armyโs Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ikang that a commercial boat had been intercepted and eight passengersโcomprising six adults and two minorsโwere seized by the assailants.
Acting on this credible intelligence, troops immediately launched a pursuit, strategically blocking potential escape routes and asserting dominance over the complex network of waterways.
Faced with the aggressive advance of the soldiers, the militants abandoned their captives at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled into the surrounding creeks towards the high sea.
The troops successfully recovered all eight victims at the port. They were safely transported to the Brigade’s headquarters, where they were documented and later released to their families. No casualties were recorded during the entire operation.
Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended his troops for their “professionalism, swift response, and commitment to protecting lives and property.” He also expressed profound appreciation to the local community, stating that their “prompt and credible information was instrumental to the successful rescue operation.”
The Commander reassured the public of the Brigade’s unwavering resolve to sustain aggressive patrols in the area, vowing to “deny criminal elements freedom of action.” Security forces have continued patrols along the waterways to prevent any regrouping or further attacks by the fleeing militants.
The Army has again encouraged the public to maintain this crucial partnership by continuing to provide security agencies with timely and credible information.
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