Soldiers of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully freed 18 passengers, among them two infants, after a passenger boat was hijacked along the Nigeria–Cameroon water route.
In a statement released by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, troops deployed in Ikang acted quickly after receiving a distress alert and chased the suspected attackers.
The hijacking took place on Saturday when suspected sea pirates intercepted a boat plying between Nigeria and Cameroon near the Kombo Fishing Port in Cameroonian waters.
The attackers reportedly operated two speedboats and a wooden craft, abducting the passengers before fleeing the area. He said that, during the operation, an exchange of fire forced one of the pirates’ speedboats to capsize, prompting the criminals to abandon the passengers and escape into nearby creeks.
The statement said all 18 victims of the boat attack were rescued unharmed.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, described the operation as a demonstration of courage and professionalism.
“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,” he said. “We will continue to dominate our operational environment and safeguard our citizens against all criminal elements.”
Brigadier General Alimikhena also called on members of the public to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to assist in combating criminal activities across Cross River State.
