Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang, have successfully rescued eight civilians abducted along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways.
The rescue followed credible intelligence provided by members of the local community, who reported that militants had intercepted a commercial boat and kidnapped six adults and two minors.
In a statement posted on Tuesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Major Yemi Sokoya, on the Nigerian Army’s X account, the troops were said to have acted swiftly on the information.
“Acting swiftly, the troops deployed to pursue the perpetrators, blocked possible escape routes, and secured the waterways,” the statement said.
According to the Army, the rapid response forced the militants to abandon their captives at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port before fleeing into nearby creeks and the high seas.
“The civilians were recovered safely, documented, and later released, with no casualties reported during the operation,” the statement added.
Commending the operation, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, praised the troops for their professionalism and prompt action. He also expressed appreciation to the local community for providing timely intelligence, describing it as crucial to the success of the rescue mission.
Alimikhena reassured residents that the Brigade would sustain aggressive patrols in the area to prevent further criminal activities. He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to help maintain peace and security along the waterways.
