Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade have rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, following a hijacking attack by suspected sea pirates along the Nigeria–Cameroon waterways.

The incident occurred on January 11, 2026, when the pirates reportedly intercepted a passenger boat travelling from Cameroon to Nigeria along the Kombo Fishing Port axis within Cameroonian waters. 

The attackers were said to be operating with two speedboats and a wooden boat, which they used to overtake and seize the passenger vessel.

The development was confirmed in a statement signed and released by the Brigade Assistant Director of Public Relations, Major Yemi Sokoya, and shared on the Nigerian Army’s official X page on Monday.

According to the statement, a distress call was received indicating that armed sea pirates had abducted passengers aboard the boat during its journey between the two countries.

A distress call reported that suspected sea pirates, operating in two speed boats and a wooden boat, hijacked a passenger boat moving from Cameroon to Nigeria. The passengers were kidnapped along the Kombo Fishing Port within the Cameroon waterways, the statement read.

Major Sokoya explained that troops of the 13 Brigade deployed at Ikang swiftly mobilised in response to the alert and pursued the fleeing pirates into the waterways.

“Responding swiftly, 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,” he stated.

He added that all 18 passengers, including two infants, were rescued unharmed during the operation and safely brought to security.

The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, commended the troops for their quick reaction and professionalism, describing the operation as a clear demonstration of the Army’s resolve to protect lives and secure maritime routes.

“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,” Alimikhena said.

He assured residents of the area and travellers using the waterways that the Army would continue to dominate the operational environment and deny criminal elements freedom of action.

“We will continue to dominate our operational environment and safeguard our citizens against all criminal elements,” the brigade commander added.

Alimikhena also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in combating piracy and other criminal activities in the region.

The Army noted that the operation underscores the ongoing commitment of 13 Brigade to maintaining security along the Nigeria–Cameroon waterways and ensuring the safety of passengers, traders, and local communities operating in the area.