Troops of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued four kidnapped victims during a well-coordinated and decisive waterborne operation in Bakassi, Cross River State, on Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
The troops, while on a routine water patrol aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement along key waterways, intercepted a group of armed militants who were ferrying four abducted civilians in a speedboat towards Isangele, Achibong in the Republic of Cameroon. Upon sighting the soldiers, the militants opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest. The troops immediately returned accurate and superior firepower, forcing the criminals to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding creeks.
Due to the swift and professional response of the troops, all four abducted victims were successfully rescued along with their belongings. Notably, the operation was conducted without any casualty on the part of the soldiers, further demonstrating their discipline, preparedness, and tactical effectiveness.
Reacting to the development, the Commander 13 Brigade, Brigadier General PO Alimikhena, applauded the troops for their courage, vigilance, and unwavering dedication to duty. He noted that the conduct of the operation reflects the Brigade’s high level of operational readiness and its continued resolve to safeguard the people of Cross River State. Brigadier General Alimikhena further emphasized that 13 Brigade remains fully committed to dismantling criminal networks operating within coastal and riverine communities.