Swift Army Action Frees Eight Abducted Civilians in Cross River

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued eight people who were kidnapped along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways in Cross River State.

The operation was carried out by soldiers of the 13 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base in Ikang, following a distress report received on December 29, 2025.

According to the Army, the victims, including six adults and two children, were abducted after suspected militants stopped a commercial boat on the waterway.

Acting on information provided by local residents, the troops moved quickly, chased the suspects and sealed off possible escape routes while securing the waterways.

The swift action forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port before fleeing into nearby creeks and towards the open sea.

The soldiers later recovered the civilians safely and took them to the Brigade’s base for documentation before releasing them. No injuries were recorded during the operation.

The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, praised the troops for their fast and professional response.

He also thanked community members for sharing timely information and assured residents that patrols would continue to stop criminal activities in the area.

The Army urged the public to keep supporting security agencies with useful information.