Troops from the Nigerian Army's 13 Brigade have successfully rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, who were abducted by suspected sea pirates during a boat hijacking along the Nigeria-Cameroon border waterways.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 11, 2026, when armed assailants operating two speedboats and a wooden vessel intercepted a passenger boat traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon near the Kombo Fishing Port in Cameroonian waters. The pirates abducted all occupants before a swift military response forced them to flee.
A distress call prompted troops deployed at Ikang to pursue the criminals, leading to an exchange of fire. One of the pirates' speedboats capsized during the confrontation, causing the attackers to abandon their victims and escape into the surrounding creeks. All 18 passengers were rescued unharmed.
Major Yemi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 13 Brigade Headquarters, confirmed the details in an official statement released on Monday. "A distress call reported that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speed boats and a wooden boat, hijacked a passenger boat moving from Nigeria to Cameroon," Sokoya stated. "The passengers were kidnapped along Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroon waterways."
He added that the operation resulted in the pirates fleeing after the engagement, with no injuries reported among the victims.
Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, Commander of the 13 Brigade, commended the troops for their rapid and effective action. "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, according to the statement. He urged the public to provide credible information to aid security efforts in Cross River State, emphasising that community cooperation is vital for combating such crimes.
The Nigerian Army described the mission as underscoring its dedication to safeguarding lives and securing regional waterways. No arrests were reported, and the pirates remain at large.
