BAKASSI– Troops of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, successfully rescued four kidnapped civilians during a waterborne operation in the restive Bakassi Peninsula, Cross River state, on Tuesday NEGROIDHAVEN can report.
The victims were being transported by armed militants in a speedboat toward the Isangele area of Cameroon when soldiers on routine patrol intercepted them along the waterways. An exchange of gunfire ensued, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into surrounding creeks.
All four victims were recovered unharmed along with their personal belongings. No casualties were recorded among the troops.
In a statement by Major Yemi Sokoya the Assistant Director Army Public Relations of the Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army on Wednesday, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, praised the soldiers for their courage and tactical effectiveness.
“This operation reflects our high level of operational readiness and our resolve to safeguard the people of Cross River State,” Alimikhena said. “We remain committed to dismantling criminal networks in our coastal and riverine communities.”
The Bakassi Peninsula—a region of dense mangrove swamps and complex waterways bordering Cameroon—has long been a hotspot for kidnapping, piracy, and cross-border criminal activities.
Tuesday’s rescue underscores continued military efforts to secure the area, which was formally ceded to Cameroon in 2008 but remains economically and socially tied to Nigeria.
