A swift intervention by troops of the Nigerian Army has resulted in the rescue of eight passengers abducted from a commercial boat along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways in Cross River State.
The victims, comprising six adults and two minors, were seized by suspected militants who intercepted the boat while it was navigating the Ikang–Cameroon water route.
According to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Major Yemi Sokoya, the rescue operation followed actionable intelligence received from members of the local community regarding the abduction.
“Acting promptly on this information, troops were immediately deployed in pursuit of the perpetrators while simultaneously blocking possible escape routes and dominating the waterways.
“As a result of the proactive response by the troops, the militants abandoned the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled into the creeks towards the high sea. The abandoned victims were subsequently and successfully recovered by the troops,” Sokoya said.
He added that the rescued civilians were safely conveyed to the brigade’s location, where they were properly documented before being released.
“No casualties were recorded during the operation. Troops have continued patrols along the waterways to prevent regrouping or further criminal activities by the fleeing militants,” Sokoya said.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General Peter Alimikhena, described the outcome as a testament to disciplined coordination and the effective use of actionable intelligence.
Alimikhena also commended the cooperation of local residents, noting that community alerts remain crucial in disrupting criminal networks operating along inland waterways.
Patrols across the Ikang maritime corridor have since been intensified to prevent the suspects from regrouping, while sustained surveillance operations aim to deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
Residents were further encouraged to provide timely and credible information, reinforcing the partnership between security agencies and local communities as efforts to safeguard the waterways continue.
