Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade, operating from the Forward Operating Base in Ikang, have rescued eight civilians abducted along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways.
The rescue followed credible intelligence from members of the local community that militants had intercepted a commercial boat and kidnapped six adults and two minors.
In a statement posted Tuesday on the Nigerian Army’s official X account, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, said troops swiftly pursued the perpetrators, blocked possible escape routes, and secured the waterways.
The militants, overwhelmed by the troops’ rapid response, abandoned the victims at Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled into nearby creeks and the high seas.
“All eight civilians were recovered safely, documented, and released, with no casualties recorded during the operation,” the statement said.
Commending the troops, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, praised their professionalism and prompt action.
He also thanked members of the local community for providing timely intelligence that led to the successful rescue and assured residents that the Brigade would sustain aggressive patrols to curb criminal activities in the area.
The commander urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information to enhance safety across the waterways.