Troops rescue 18 abducted passengers on Nigeria-Cameroon waterway

The troops of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 18 passengers, including 2 infants, abducted by suspected sea pirates during an attack on a passenger boat travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this via a statement on Monday.

Sokoya said suspected sea pirates, operating in two speed boats and a wooden boat, hijacked a passenger boat moving from Nigeria to Cameroon, and abducted passengers along Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroon waterways.

Sokoya stated that 13 Brigade troops, while responding swiftly to a distress call, pursued the criminals, resulting in an exchange of fire that caused one of the pirates’ speed boats to capsize.

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The army spokesperson said the pirates abandoned the kidnapped victims and fled into the surrounding creeks.

“All passengers were rescued unharmed,” Sokoya said.

Sokoya quoted the Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, as commending the troops for their prompt and professional response.

Alimikhena further urged members of the public to provide meaningful information that can assist the troops in effectively combating criminal activities across Cross River State, emphasising that community cooperation is essential for maintaining security.

The Star