January 21, 2026, the Nigerian Army announced a successful joint security operation in Cross River State, resulting in the reception of eight rescued kidnap victims and the arrest of a suspected gunrunner.

The operation was carried out by the 13 Brigade, under the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East (Operation UDO KA).

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1. Rescued Kidnap Victims

The victims were initially abducted by sea pirates while traveling along the waterways between Nigeria and Cameroon.

• The Rescue: The Cameroonian Armed Forces rescued the eight victims following a gun battle with the pirates.
• The Handover: At approximately 6:16 p.m. on January 18, the Cameroonian troops handed the victims over to the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade at the Pastors Fishing Port general area.
• Current Status: The victims were taken to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) for debriefing and have since been released to reunite with their families.

2. Arrest of Suspected Gunrunner

In a separate but related intelligence-led operation, troops apprehended a major suspect involved in the illegal arms trade.

• The Suspect: Identified as Mr. Ojo Friday, a native of Ochon in Obubra LGA, Cross River, who resides in Ebonyi State.
• The Arrest: He was caught at about 8:00 a.m. on January 20 in the Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
• Items Recovered: Troops seized a total of 245 ammunition cartridges from the suspect.

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Recent Context in Cross River

This latest success follows a string of security breakthroughs in the region earlier this month:

• Militant Surrender: On January 16, dozens of militants from two notorious camps (led by “Ayibanuagha” and “Akpokolo”) voluntarily surrendered a cache of AK-47s, explosives, and speedboats under the state’s amnesty program.
• Boat Hijack Rescue: On January 11, the 13 Brigade rescued 18 passengers (including two infants) after pirates hijacked their boat on the Kombo Fishing Port route