Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a swift and decisive operation on Monday, December 29, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Ikang, Cross River State, successfully rescued eight civilians who had been abducted along the Ikang–Cameroon waterways. The daring rescue underscores the intensifying efforts by Nigerian security forces to confront rising threats of kidnapping and militant activity in the nation’s southern border regions.
According to a statement issued by the Army’s public relations arm, the operation unfolded after credible intelligence was received from members of the local community alerting military personnel to the interception of a commercial boat by suspected militants. The abductees, a group consisting of six adults and two minors, were seized as they travelled along the waterways, highlighting the persistent security risks faced by travellers navigating these remote aquatic routes.
Acting promptly on the community’s information, 13 Brigade troops mobilised swiftly and pursued the perpetrators. In a coordinated manoeuvre, the soldiers blocked potential escape routes and established control over crucial stretches of the waterways. The pressure mounted by the military response forced the militants to abandon the captives at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port. The assailants then fled deeper into the creeks, making their way toward the high sea to evade capture.
The abandoned victims were recovered unharmed by the troops and safely transported to the brigade’s base for documentation and initial care. Officials confirmed that no casualties were recorded among the rescued civilians or the security personnel during the rescue operation. Following the successful recovery, the victims were released and reunited with their families.
Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, commander of the 13 Brigade, commended the professionalism, speed, and dedication displayed by the troops throughout the operation. He also expressed gratitude to vigilant residents whose timely and reliable tip allowed the military to intervene effectively, reinforcing the pivotal role that community cooperation plays in combatting insecurity.
General Alimikhena reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the region, stressing that sustained patrols and aggressive presence along the waterways are central to denying criminal elements freedom of movement. He urged the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to bolster ongoing efforts to improve safety and security.
The successful rescue in Cross River comes against the backdrop of a broader national challenge posed by kidnappings, often carried out by criminal gangs and militant groups exploiting Nigeria’s porous borders and complex terrain. Kidnapping for ransom has surged in recent years, affecting travellers on major highways, rural communities, and waterways alike. The Nigerian military and other security agencies have responded by intensifying intelligence‑led operations aimed at disrupting these criminal networks and rescuing abducted victims.
In late December 2025, the Nigerian Army reported multiple coordinated operations across several states resulting in the neutralisation of dozens of terrorists, the arrest of numerous suspects, and the rescue of dozens of kidnapped civilians. These operations reflect a heightened posture by security forces to clamp down on armed groups and reinforce civilian protection across the country.
The waterways that form part of the border between Cross River State and neighbouring Cameroon have long been identified as vulnerable to exploitation by criminal elements. Dense vegetation, numerous tributaries, and limited surveillance make these routes challenging to monitor effectively. Militants and kidnappers often use these waterways to ambush boats, abduct passengers, and move undetected across borders, complicating law enforcement responses.
Officials say the involvement of local communities in reporting suspicious activities has been instrumental in recent successes. Intelligence from residents enables security forces to anticipate threats and respond swiftly, reducing the window of opportunity for criminals to achieve their objectives. Community policing efforts and public‑military partnerships are increasingly recognised as critical components of Nigeria’s broader security strategy.
Beyond the immediate security gains, such rescue operations have broader implications for economic and social stability in the region. The Cross River border area is a hub for commerce, fishing, and transport. Persistent insecurity not only endangers lives but also undermines livelihoods and discourages economic activities. By securing major waterways and protecting travellers, the military aims to restore confidence among local populations and traders who rely on these routes.
The Nigerian Army’s aggressive posture also aligns with government directives to treat kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, subjecting them to counter‑terrorism measures rather than solely criminal sanctions. This shift is designed to empower security forces with broader legal and operational tools to dismantle organised kidnapping syndicates and disrupt their support networks.
Yet, despite these efforts, security challenges persist. Analysts caution that sustained success will require not only military pressure but also complementary initiatives that address underlying grievances, improve socio‑economic conditions, and strengthen border security infrastructure. Regional cooperation with neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, is also seen as critical to effectively managing cross‑border threats.
For the eight civilians freed in the Ikang operation, the swift response by the 13 Brigade represents not only a narrow escape from grave danger but also a powerful reminder of the role of timely intelligence and decisive action in saving lives. The episode illustrates both the risks faced by travellers in vulnerable regions and the growing capacity of Nigerian security forces to mount effective and rapid interventions when communities and military work in concert.
As security forces continue to pursue criminal networks and enhance protection along critical transit ways, residents and travellers in Cross River and beyond watch for further improvements in safety and stability. The collaboration between local communities and security agencies remains a cornerstone in the ongoing campaign to secure Nigeria’s borders and waterways from kidnappers and militant threats.
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