Violence cases increased for the past month in the oil-rich region of Niger Delta.
Armed rebels are "losing patience with peace talks", launched in June by Nigeria’s new government.
Wednesday’s fighting occurred in and around Okrika. The gunmen had been trying to hijack an oil industry barge when troops opened fire, causing them to flee in their speedboats.
Army spokesman Sagir Musa said the Filipino crew were safe.
“The 18 Filipinos were rescued by our men after the militants blew up the vessel with dynamite. They were handed over to Rivers state government,” Musa said.
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New Act of Violence in Nigeria
Violence cases increased for the past month in the oil-rich region of Niger Delta