Troops Rescue 4 Hostages After Fierce Gun Battle in Bakassi Waterways
Troops of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued four kidnapped victims during a coordinated waterborne operation in Bakassi, Cross River State. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, was part of routine patrols aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement along strategic waterways.
The soldiers intercepted a speedboat carrying armed militants and four abducted civilians as the criminals attempted to ferry their victims toward Isangele, Achibong, in neighbouring Cameroon. According to military sources, the militants opened fire on sighting the troops, triggering a brief but intense exchange of gunfire.
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The troops responded with “accurate and superior firepower,” forcing the militants to abandon the victims and escape into nearby creeks. The kidnapped civilians were rescued unharmed, along with their belongings. No soldier sustained injuries during the encounter.
The Commander of 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, commended the troops for their professionalism, bravery, and vigilance. He said the successful operation demonstrates the Brigade’s high level of operational readiness and underscores its commitment to protecting residents of Cross River State, particularly those in coastal and riverine communities.
General Alimikhena reaffirmed that the Brigade will continue to intensify efforts to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens in the region.
By PRNigeria
