PIRATES FOILED: 18 PASSENGERS RESCUED BY ARMY NEAR CAMEROON

January 12, 2026

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By: Fasasi Hammad

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 18 passengers, including two infants, who were abducted by suspected sea pirates during an attack on a passenger boat travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon.

A source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the rescue operation took place on Sunday following a distress call. The vessel had been hijacked near Kombo 4 Fishing Port, Cameroon, by pirates operating in two speedboats and a wooden boat.

The source said the troops responded swiftly, pursuing the attackers and engaging in an exchange of gunfire. “One pirate speedboat, powered by a 15-horsepower engine, capsized during the encounter, forcing the assailants to abandon their captives and flee into nearby creeks,” the source added.

All the passengers were rescued unharmed, while the army continued operations along the waterways to prevent further criminal activity. According to the source, troops expended a total of five rounds of 7.62mm NATO and four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the operation.

The source also reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining robust security operations across all theatres nationwide.