By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, following a pirate attack along the Nigeria–Cameroon maritime corridor.
The rescue operation followed the hijacking of a passenger boat on January 11, by suspected sea pirates operating within Cameroonian waters around the Kombo Fishing Port axis. The victims were travelling from Cameroon to Nigeria when the attackers struck.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, the pirates operated with two speedboats and a wooden vessel, intercepting the passenger boat and abducting those onboard.
“Upon receiving a distress call, troops of 13 Brigade deployed from Ikang swiftly moved to the scene,” the statement said. “The pirates, operating in two speedboats and a wooden boat, hijacked a passenger vessel transiting from Cameroon to Nigeria within the Kombo Fishing Port area,” he added.
The Army said the responding troops pursued the assailants, leading to a gun exchange during which one of the pirates’ speedboats capsized. The attackers subsequently abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding creeks.
“All 18 passengers, including two infants, were rescued unharmed,” the statement added.
Commending the troops, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, praised their swift and professional conduct, describing the operation as a reflection of the Army’s resolve to secure Nigeria’s waterways.
“This successful rescue underscores the courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of our personnel to protecting lives and ensuring safety along our maritime borders,” Alimikhena said.
He reaffirmed the Army’s determination to dominate its operational environment and called on residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to aid the fight against criminal activities in Cross River State and adjoining areas.
The Army noted that the operation highlights the continued commitment of 13 Brigade to safeguarding lives and maintaining security along regional waterways.
