Army rescues 18 passengers from sea pirates on Cameroon waterways

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, following a boat hijacking incident along the Nigeria–Cameroon waterways.

The incident occurred on January 11, 2026, when suspected sea pirates hijacked a passenger boat operating along the Kombo Fishing Port axis within Cameroonian waters.

The attackers, reportedly operating two speedboats and a wooden boat, abducted passengers who were travelling between Cameroon and Nigeria.

This was confirmed in a statement signed and relased by the Brigade Assistant Director of Public Relation, Major Yemi Sokoya, and shared on the Army X page on Monday.

“A distress call reported that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speed boats and a wooden boat, hijacked a passenger boat moving from Cameroon to Nigeria.

“The passengers were kidnapped along Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroon waterways,” the statement read.

“Responding swiftly, 13 Brigade troops deployed at Ikang pursued the criminals, resulting in an exchange of fire that caused one of the pirates’ speed boats to capsize. The pirates abandoned their victims and fled into the surrounding creeks.

“All 18 passengers, including 2 infants, were rescued unharmed.”

Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, commended the troops for their prompt and professional response.

“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,” Alimikhena said.

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“We will continue to dominate our operational environment and safeguard our citizens against all criminal elements.”

He urged members of the public to provide useful information to assist security forces in tackling criminal activities across Cross River State, stressing that community cooperation was vital to sustaining security.

The Army said the operation underscored 13 Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and maintaining safety along regional waterways.