Nigerian Army Troops Rescue 18 Passengers, Infants in Nigeria–Cameroon Boat Hijack

The incident occurred on January 11, 2026, when armed attackers hijacked a passenger boat operating along the Kombo Fishing Port axis within Cameroonian waters. The passengers were reportedly travelling between Cameroon and Nigeria at the time of the attack.
The rescue was confirmed in a statement signed and released by the Brigade Assistant Director of Public Relations, Major Yemi Sokoya, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X page on Monday.
According to the statement, the pirates, operating in two speedboats and a wooden boat, intercepted and abducted passengers from the vessel.
“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 statement said. “The pirates abandoned their victims and fled into the surrounding creeks.”
“All 18 passengers, including two infants, were rescued unharmed,” it added.
Commending the troops for their swift and professional response, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, described the operation as a demonstration of the Army’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s waterways.
“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.
He assured that the Brigade would continue to dominate its operational environment and safeguard citizens against criminal elements.
The commander also appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid efforts to combat criminal activities across Cross River State, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining security.
The Nigerian Army said the operation underscores the 13 Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining safety along regional waterways.