Army Rescues 18 After Boat Hijacking Near Cameroon

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade on Monday confirmed the rescue of 18 passengers, including two infants, after intercepting a boat hijacking along the Nigeria–Cameroon waterways.

A suspected sea pirate had hijacked a passenger boat travelling from Cameroon to Nigeria along the Kombo Fishing Port axis within Cameroonian waters.

Providing details via the Army’s official X platform, the Brigade Assistant Director of Public Relations, Major Yemi Sokoya, said the attackers reportedly operated two speedboats and a wooden boat before forcibly abducting the passengers and diverting the vessel.

Sokoya said the troops of the 13th Brigade deployed at Ikang received a distress call on Sunday, January 11, 2026, and immediately launched a pursuit.

He said, “A distress call reported that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speedboats and a wooden boat, hijacked a passenger boat moving from Cameroon to Nigeria.

“The passengers were kidnapped along the Kombo Fishing Port within the Cameroon waterways,” the statement read.

Sokoya revealed that the operation led to an exchange of gunfire, during which one of the pirates’ speedboats capsized, forcing the attackers to abandon the passengers and escape into nearby creeks.

He continued, “Responding swiftly, 13 Brigade troops deployed at Ikang pursued the criminals, resulting in an exchange of fire that caused one of the pirates’ speedboats to capsize. The pirates abandoned their victims and fled into the surrounding creeks.

“All 18 passengers, including 2 infants, were rescued unharmed.”

Following the rescue, the Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, acknowledged the conduct of the troops and linked the outcome of the operation to operational discipline and readiness.

“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,” Alimikhena said.

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

He further stressed the role of civilian cooperation in addressing criminal activity, urging residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies operating across Cross River State, noting that sustained security depended on collaboration between communities and law enforcement.