EVENT SUMMARY
The Nigeria based Boko Haram terrorist group has over the past few tears expanded it militancy in the neighbouring countries among them Cameroon, Chad, Benin and Niger.
While Nigeria has intensified its offensives to quash the Islamist militant group Boko Haram, this has triggered surge of frequent bombings in the neighboring Cameroon though the army says its making headway in stopping attacks especially on military targets.
Since the beginning of 2016, Cameroon’s far North region has been hit as many as 19 militant attacks. These attacks are mostly carried out by teenagers with explosive devices strapped on their bodies.
These attacks in Cameroon have left at least 74 people killed and scores wounded.
CROSS-BORDER ATTACKS
Increased military pressure in Nigeria has forced militants across the border to the neighbouring countries thus more cross border attacks has been witnessed.
Boko Haram operates rear bases in remote border areas, which are supported by networks based on ethnic kinship in Cameroon’s Far North region. These factors enable Boko Haram to operate with a degree of impunity.
Following election of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, he ordered the army to wipe out Boko Haram. The military operations have dislodged the group in many territories in Northeast but the militant group continues to carry out bombings employing guerilla tactics and hit and run attacks.
JOINT TASK FORCE
Boko Haram surge prompted a joint military task force to be set up in August 2015 to combat a surge in its cross-border attacks
The 8,700-member force will consist of soldiers from Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and Niger, countries which have all been targeted by the militants.
France and China have pledged to donate weapons and vehicles to help combat Boko Haram insurgents who pledged to ISIS in 2014.
The U.S. has also sent 300 soldiers to Cameroon to conduct airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, according to its embassy.
