Nigerian Army Rescues Eight Kidnap Victims Along Ikang–Cameroon Waterways

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have rescued eight civilians abducted along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways in a swift operation carried out on December 29, 2025.

The rescue followed credible intelligence from members of the local community, who reported that suspected militants had intercepted a commercial boat and kidnapped eight passengers, including six adults and two minors. Acting on the tip-off, troops operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ikang immediately deployed, blocking escape routes and dominating the waterways.

Faced with the rapid response, the assailants abandoned the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled into nearby creeks toward the high sea. The troops subsequently recovered the victims and conveyed them safely to the Brigade’s location, where they were documented and later released. No casualties were recorded during the operation.

Patrols have since been intensified along the waterways to prevent regrouping or further criminal activity.

Commending the operation, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, praised the troops for their professionalism and swift response. He also thanked members of the local community for providing timely and credible information, describing it as critical to the success of the mission.

The Brigade reassured the public of its commitment to sustained security operations in the area and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful intelligence.