Army rescues four kidnapped victims in Cross River

The four victims rescued from the kidnappers. Credit: Nigerian Army | X

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Troops of the 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued four kidnapped victims during an operation in Bakassi, Cross River State.

The rescue took place on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

This was disclosed in a statement issued via the Army’s X handle and signed on Wednesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya.

According to the statement, the troops were on a routine water patrol when they intercepted militants ferrying four abducted civilians in a speedboat toward 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 casualties on the part of the soldiers, further demonstrating their discipline, preparedness, and tactical effectiveness,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development, Commander 13 Brigade, Brigadier General P.O. Alimikhena, commended the troops for their “courage, vigilance and unwavering dedication to duty.”

He said the operation demonstrated the brigade’s high level of operational readiness and its determination to dismantle criminal networks operating within coastal and riverine communities.

The statement added that the brigade remains committed to safeguarding residents of Cross River State.

In a related development, PUNCH Online reported on Tuesday that the Army carried out a nationwide offensive between November 29 and December 1, 2025, killing eight terrorists, arresting 51 suspects, rescuing 27 victims, and seizing weapons and other illegal items.

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