According to the army, troops of the 13 Brigade operating from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ikang carried out the successful rescue following a swift and coordinated response to a distress call received on 29 December 2025. The troops acted on credible intelligence from members of the local community that a commercial boat had been intercepted on the waterways and eight passengers—six adults and two minors—abducted.
Upon receipt of the information, the troops immediately deployed in pursuit of the suspects, blocked possible escape routes and dominated the waterways. The sustained pressure forced the militants to abandon the victims at the Ini-Abasi Fishing Port before fleeing into the creeks towards the high sea.
The abandoned victims were subsequently recovered by the troops and conveyed safely to the brigade’s location, where they were properly documented and later released. No casualties were recorded during the operation.
The army added that troops have continued patrols along the waterways to prevent the fleeing militants from regrouping or engaging in further criminal activities.
Commending the operation, the Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P. O. Alimikhena, praised the troops for their professionalism, swift response and commitment to protecting lives and property. He also expressed appreciation to members of the local community for providing timely and credible information that contributed to the success of the rescue mission.
The Nigerian Army reassured members of the public of its resolve to sustain aggressive patrols and deny criminal elements freedom of action in the area, while encouraging continued cooperation through the provision of timely and credible information.
