Calabar: Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 18 passengers who were abducted while traveling to Cameroon along the Calabar-Cameroon waterways.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the rescue mission was confirmed in a statement issued by Maj. Semi Sokoya, Assistant Director of Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade. The announcement was made available to newsmen in Calabar.
The operation was launched in response to the hijacking of a passenger boat traveling from Nigeria to Cameroon. A distress call reported that suspected sea pirates, operating with two speed boats and a wooden boat, intercepted the passenger vessel and kidnapped its occupants near the Kombo Fishing Port in Cameroonian waters.
Troops from the 13 Brigade, stationed at Ikang, reacted promptly to the incident. They pursued the pirates, leading to a gunfire exchange that resulted in one of the pirates’ speed boats capsizing. The pirates eventually abandoned the victims and escaped into the nearby creeks, leaving all passengers unharmed.
Brigadier General Patrick Alimikhena, the Commander of the 13 Brigade, praised the troops for their swift and professional response. He emphasized that the successful rescue showcased the courage and dedication of the troops in safeguarding lives and ensuring the security of the waterways.
Brig.-Gen. Alimikhena also reassured the public that the brigade would continue to maintain a strong presence in its area of responsibility to protect citizens from criminal activities. He encouraged the public to provide valuable information to help security agencies combat crime in Cross River.