In the aftermath of a deadly Boko Haram attack on the Wulgo military post in Cameroon’s Far North region, Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum paid a solidarity visit to Cameroonian troops stationed at the Sector 1 base of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The visit highlights growing regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
A Message of Condolence and Unity
Governor Zulum offered heartfelt condolences to the Cameroonian government and the families of soldiers killed during the March 25 attack, which claimed the lives of more than ten Cameroonian soldiers, including a lieutenant from the Airborne Troops Battalion (BTAP), and left at least 20 others injured.
Received by MNJTF Commander, Major General Godwin Michael Mutkut, Zulum praised the bravery and professionalism of the Cameroonian troops facing the continued threat posed by Boko Haram.
“Cameroon and Nigeria face a shared enemy,” Zulum stated. “We must remain united and reinforce our joint efforts. Our soldiers are fighting for peace across borders, and they deserve our full support.”
Boko Haram’s Cross-Border Threat
The March 25 assault on Wulgo marked one of the deadliest recent attacks by Boko Haram in the region. Heavily armed militants overran the military post, temporarily seizing control and setting ablaze most of the military vehicles. The attackers then retreated, leaving significant destruction in their wake.
This attack is part of a broader resurgence of Boko Haram activity in the Far North of Cameroon and along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Despite years of joint counterterrorism operations, the group remains capable of staging coordinated and lethal assaults, targeting both military positions and civilian populations.
Nigerian Support for Cameroonian Forces
Governor Zulum used his visit to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the MNJTF and its Cameroonian contingent. He announced additional aid from Borno State to assist troops on the ground, including logistical and humanitarian support, aimed at improving morale and operational capacity.
Accompanied by high-level officials including Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and members of his cabinet, the visit underscored the political and military importance of maintaining cohesion among Lake Chad Basin states.
A Call for Continued Regional Cooperation
The MNJTF, composed of troops from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, remains the backbone of regional military efforts against Boko Haram and its splinter groups. However, the Wulgo attack serves as a stark reminder that the insurgency remains a potent threat.
Zulum’s visit signals the urgency of reinforcing cross-border coordination, intelligence sharing, and sustained political will to combat a threat that transcends national boundaries.
“Our unity is our strength,” Zulum said. “Only through joint determination can we restore lasting peace to our people.”
