Troops of 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang, have successfully rescued eight kidnapped civilians following a swift and coordinated response to a distress call on 29 December 2025.
Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters 13 Brigade, Maj. Yemi Sokoya in a statement issued Tuesday said the troops received credible intelligence from members of the local community that suspected militants had intercepted a commercial boat along the Ikang – Cameroon waterways and abducted eight civilians, comprising six adults and two minors.
He added that acting promptly on this information, the troops immediately deployed in pursuit of the perpetrators while simultaneously blocking possible escape routes and dominating the waterways.
Sokoya added: “As a result of proactive response by the troops, the militants abandoned the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port and fled into the creeks towards the high sea. The abandoned victims were subsequently and successfully recovered by the troops.
“The rescued civilians were safely conveyed to the Brigade’s location, where they were properly documented and later released.
“No casualties were recorded during the operation. Troops continued patrols along the waterways to prevent regrouping or further criminal activities by the fleeing militants.”
The Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. PO Alimikhena, commended the troops for their professionalism, swift response, and commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also commended members of the local community for their prompt and credible information, which was instrumental to the successful rescue operation.