Troops of the Nigerian Army successfully rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, who were abducted by suspected sea pirates during an attack on a passenger boat en route from Nigeria to Cameroon.
A source within the Army Headquarters confirmed that the operation took place on Sunday.
According to the source, the rescue followed a distress call after pirates, operating in two speedboats and a wooden boat, hijacked the vessel near Kombo 4 Fishing Port in Cameroon.
The troops responded promptly, pursuing the assailants, which resulted in a brief exchange of fire.
“One pirate speedboat, powered by a 15-horsepower engine, capsized during the encounter, forcing the attackers to abandon their captives and flee into nearby creeks,” the source said.
All passengers were rescued unharmed, while troops maintained a strong presence in the waterways to deter further criminal activity.
The operation involved the use of five rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.
“Security operations in the area remain ongoing,” the source added.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to maintaining maritime security and conducting operations to safeguard citizens across the nation’s waterways.