A Cameroonian gendarme officer kidnapped two weeks ago by suspected Ambazonia separatists has been confirmed dead. His body was reportedly found on July 8, 2025, at Mile 25 in Ndop, a locality in Ngoketunjia Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon.
According to a source who spoke to MMI, the body was left at the roadside by the abductors, identified as fighters loyal to a separatist commander known as “General A Nova Die.”
The officer was serving at the Ndop Gendarmerie Brigade when he was abducted along the Sabga Hill stretch in late June.
Military Crackdown in Bamessing Village
In response to the discovery of the officer’s body, Cameroonian government forces launched a targeted security operation in Bamessing village. This is also a village in Ndop Subdivision. Bamessing is the stronghold of separatists, including the notorious Ngeh Cyprian, aka ‘The Only Brop. Local sources report that two individuals suspected of being separatist fighters were killed during the operation.
Their bodies were subsequently transported to the Total filling station in Ndop for public display. One of the bodies appeared to have been severely burned.
Authorities have not officially commented on the incident or provided further details on the identities of the deceased individuals.
Civilians, Including Infants, Remain Detained
Prior to the officer’s death, local administrative officials had taken retaliatory measures by detaining civilians believed to be relatives of the separatist group responsible for the abduction.
n June 24, 2025, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Ngoketunjia, Mr. Kongeh Handerson Qwetong, ordered the arrest of seven civilians, including two infants aged two and three months, and five adults. All remain in custody at the Ndop Gendarmerie Brigade.
The detained individuals include:
- Madam Seraph Woh, 68
- Julius Weyang, 39
- Joycelyn Ndum, 22, mother of a 3-month-old
- Blanche Yocnteh, 22, mother of a 2-month-old
- Justine Bechu, 24
The detentions were carried out without formal charges. Human rights organisation Conscience Africaine reported that the conditions of detention are poor and that the infants have shown signs of illness.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The ongoing detention of non-combatant civilians has raised concerns among legal and human rights experts. Conscience Africaine issued a public statement condemning the practice, citing potential violations of both Cameroonian criminal procedure law and international human rights conventions. They also highlighted the rights of children and the prohibition of collective punishment.
The group has called for the immediate release of the detainees and an independent investigation into the legality of the arrests. They also demand accountability for officials involved in the detentions.
Uncertainty Over the Detainees’ Fate
With the gendarme officer now confirmed deceased, it is unclear whether the SDO will proceed with the threatened punitive measures or release the detained civilians.
As of this report, no official statement has been issued by local authorities regarding the next steps. The detainees remain in custody, and access to legal representation remains limited.
Broader Implications for the Anglophone Crisis
This incident reflects the ongoing volatility of the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest Regions. The use of abductions by separatist fighters and the detention of civilians by state authorities continue to undermine efforts at de-escalation and adherence to legal norms.
The situation in Ndop remains tense. There are reports of increased military presence and restricted civilian movement reported in surrounding communities.
