Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued 18 passengers travelling to Cameroon along the Calabar–Cameroon waterways.

The rescue was confirmed in a statement by Maj. Semi Sokoya, the assistant director of public relations, headquarters of 13 Brigade, on Monday.

According to Mr Sokoya, the operation followed the hijacking of a passenger boat en route from Nigeria to Cameroon.

He said a distress call indicated that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speedboats and a wooden boat, intercepted the boat and kidnapped the passengers around Kombo Fishing Port within Cameroonian waters.

The spokesperson said troops of 13 Brigade deployed at Ikang responded promptly and pursued the suspects, leading to an exchange of gunfire that caused one of the pirates’ speedboats to capsize.

“The pirates abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding creeks. All the passengers were rescued unharmed,” Mr Sokoya said.

The commander of 13 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Patrick Alimikhena, commended the troops for their swift and professional response.

Mr Alimikhena said the successful rescue demonstrated the troops’ courage, professionalism, and commitment to protecting lives and securing the waterways.

He assured that the brigade would continue to dominate its area of responsibility and protect citizens from criminal elements.

The brigade commander also urged members of the public to provide useful information to assist security agencies in tackling criminal activities in Cross River.

He emphasised that community cooperation remained vital to sustaining peace and security in the state.