By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade executed a successful rescue operation on Sunday, freeing eight civilians abducted by suspected militants along the Ikang-Cameroon waterways.
Acting on a tip-off from local residents, soldiers from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang swiftly mobilized after learning that gunmen had intercepted a commercial boat and seized its passengers—six adults and two minors.
A military spokesman said the troops deployed rapidly, blocking escape routes and dominating the area. Under pressure, the militants abandoned their captives at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled toward the open sea. All eight victims were recovered unharmed.
After documentation and debriefing at the brigade headquarters, the rescued individuals were released to their families. No casualties were reported during the mission.
Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, Commander of 13 Brigade, praised his troops for their professionalism and thanked the community for the timely intelligence. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to maintaining aggressive patrols to deny criminals freedom of action in the region.
The public is urged to continue providing credible information to security agencies.