- …receive rescued kidnap victims from Cameroonian Armed Forces
By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – Troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA (OPUK), have arrested a suspected gunrunner in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The development was contained in a security update on activities in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the formation as of 20th January.
According to a security expert, Zagazola Makama, the suspect, identified as Mr Ojo Friday, was apprehended with a total of 245 ammunition cartridges by troops of 13 Brigade, at about 8:00 AM on 20th January 2026, based on credible intelligence.
The army said the suspect is from Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State but resides at Abomege in Ebonyi State.
“The suspect and recovered items are currently in custody for preliminary investigation,” the sources added.
In a related development, the troops of the 13 Brigade, deployed on patrol along the Ikang waterways, received eight victims of kidnapping at about 6:16 PM on 18th January 2026, at the Pastors Fishing Port general area.
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The sources said the victims, who were travelling from Nigeria to Cameroon, were kidnapped by suspected sea pirates along the Cameroon waterways but were later rescued by the Cameroonian Armed Forces after a gun battle with the criminals.
“The rescued victims were conveyed to the troops’ Forward Operating Base (FOB), where they were debriefed and subsequently released,” the source said.
The military high command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations to curb criminal activities and ensure the safety of lives and property across the region.
