Cameroon arrests three Boko Haram suspects carrying explosives

Alex Badeh, the immediate past commander of the Nigerian military, has revealed that the effectiveness of the fight against the militant Islamist group, Boko Haram, was greatly hampered by fifth columnists within the military who leaked sensitive information and operational plans to the terrorist sect.

Since then, Nigeria has accused Cameroon of not doing enough to fight the Nigerian insurgents and prevent them from seeking refuge on Cameroonian soil.

The two Presidents thanked the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, the Economic Community of Central African States and other bilateral and multilateral partners for their active solidarity in the war against Boko Haram.

In recent months, Boko Haram militants have intensified suicide attacks in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon, causing several casualties and forcing villagers to leave.

Buhari was elected partly on his promise of beating Boko Haram.

The leaders of both countries pledged on Thursday, following a summit in Yaounde, to work together to crush the six-year insurgency which has killed thousands, spread to neighbouring countries and threatens the stability of the Lake Chad region.

“When pensioners occupy the streets…to demand their pensions, they risk being branded terrorists”.

Chad, Niger and Cameroon are part of a multinational force to counter the growing threat that Boko Haram poses in the region.

In a step toward activating the force, Nigeria announced on Thursday the appointment of Major General Iliya Abbah as its commander but major military operations appear unlikely before the end of the rainy season in September.

The hostages were freed as the military stormed two jihadi camps in the Konduga district of Borno on Wednesday, about 35 km (22 miles) southeast of the Borno state capital Maiduguri, army spokesman Tukur Gusau told reporters.

“The attack happened around 6:30 am (0530 GMT) as the grocers were arriving in the market which starts early”, said the vigilante, Babakura Kolo.

Authorities in Cameroon’s far north have taken significant steps to boost security, including banning women from wearing the full face-veil amid fears that suicide bombers could use the garment to hide explosives.

A suspected female suicide bomber was arrested in Cameroon by local police after she allegedly attempted to launch an attack in Maroua market on Thursday, July 30.