In a tragic escalation of violence in the ongoing conflict involving Boko Haram, at least 20 Cameroonian troops were killed during a raid on the border town of Wulgo early Tuesday morning. Local security sources and residents informed AFP that the assailants, disguised as herders, launched a surprise attack on military positions surrounding the town, which is located near the precarious Lake Chad area, known for its significant militant presence.
The attack occurred around 1:00 AM, with intense fighting continuing for approximately two hours. According to intelligence sources involved in anti-jihadist operations, the insurgents managed to overpower the Cameroonian forces at their bases, setting them ablaze and seizing heavy weaponry in the process, including Soviet-made Shilka guns—anti-aircraft arms equipped with radar. This breach represents a notable gain for the militants, who had infiltrated Wulgo after blending in with herders and traders in the nearby city of Gamboru.
The raid marks a grim moment in a conflict that has persisted since 2009, resulting in the deaths of 40,000 individuals and displacing 2.3 million people across northeastern Nigeria and the surrounding regions. The Lake Chad basin, which encompasses parts of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has increasingly become a stronghold for jihadist factions, disrupting the livelihoods of the millions who inhabit the area.
Witnesses reported that the situation was dire following the attack. Local resident Muhammad Sani Umar noted hearing the sounds of heavy artillery and explosions, and he observed military trucks transporting the bodies of the slain soldiers across the border into Cameroon later that morning. The aftermath of the assault left military bases in disarray, with reports of charred structures and destroyed vehicles.
The frequency of Boko Haram attacks in Wulgo and the adjacent regions has heightened concern among local populations. Villagers, including those who were awake for Ramadan vigils, expressed their fears as the violence continues to disrupt daily life, particularly for those involved in fishing, farming, and herding—key livelihoods in this region.
The recent raids come amid growing criticism of the lack of coordination among the multinational forces combating the insurgency, especially as relations between Nigeria and Niger have soured following a military coup that ousted Niger’s civilian government earlier this year. As Boko Haram shifts its operational focus to the Lake Chad region, officials warn that the instability is likely to worsen without increased cooperation and strategic planning among the involved nations.
In a broader context of violence in the region, this attack follows closely after reports of ISWAP militants inflicting heavy casualties on farmers in nearby Tumbun Kanta and Kwatar Yobe, suggesting a troubling spike in militant activity and violence that continues to plague the region. The situation remains critical, as attacks targeting military forces and civilians alike illustrate the ongoing challenges in addressing the threat posed by these extremist groups.
