Troops of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Sunday, January 11, rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, following the hijacking of a passenger boat travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon.
Thenewsbearer gathered that the suspected sea pirates, operating in two speed boats and a wooden boat, hijacked the passenger boat and kidnapped the passengers along Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroon waterways.
Confirming the rescue operation, the spokesman for 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, said that in swift response to a distress call, the 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 passengers were rescued unharmed,” Major Sokoya stated.
The spokesman noted that the operation underscores 13 Brigade’s steadfast commitment to securing lives and maintaining safety across regional waterways.
The Commander of the 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, who commended the troops for their prompt and professional response, stated: “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.
“We will continue to dominate our operational environment and safeguard our citizens against all criminal elements.”
He further urged members of the public to provide meaningful information that can assist the troops in effectively combating criminal activities across Cross River State, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential for maintaining security.
