18 Cameroon-bound Passengers Seized by Pirates Rescued
18 Cameroon-bound Passengers Seized by Pirates Rescued
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have rescued 18 passengers including two infants, after suspected sea pirates hijacked a passenger boat traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon along the Cross River waterways on January 11, 2026.
The victims were abducted near the Kombo Fishing Port in Cameroonian waters before security forces launched a rapid response operation.
According to military sources, the attackers operated with two speedboats and a wooden vessel, intercepting the passenger boat and forcefully taking the occupants hostage.
A distress alert was immediately received, prompting troops stationed at Ikang to pursue the assailants.
The pursuit led to an exchange of gunfire, during which one of the pirates’ speedboats capsized, forcing the criminals to abandon the kidnapped passengers and flee into nearby creeks.
All 18 passengers were recovered safely without injuries.
Commending the operation, Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, praised the troops for their swift and professional response, noting that the mission reflects the Army’s resolve to secure waterways and protect civilian lives from criminal elements.
He also called on residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing useful information to authorities, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to sustaining peace and safety across Cross River State.
