A military operation conducted by the Cameroonian army in the Upper Bayang subdivision of Manyu has resulted in the deaths of at least four Ambazonia separatist fighters and one civilian. The raid, which took place early on Saturday, February 17, targeted the village of Ayukaba, known as a separatist stronghold in the ongoing Anglophone conflict.
Local sources report that the military launched a surprise attack before dawn, catching the fighters off guard. While Ako Giant, the leader of the Ambazonia fighters, reportedly escaped, images obtained by MMI show lifeless bodies with bullet wounds and weapons placed on their chests. Some of the seized weapons were identified as originating from the Mamfe Barrack, previously looted by separatists.
Tragically, the operation claimed the life of a civilian resident as well. “We woke up to the sound of gunfire and chaos,” said a resident of Ayukaba. “The military came in swiftly, and the separatists had no chance to defend themselves.”
This intervention follows an urgent plea from the Betieku Clan in Upper Bayang, reported by MMI the day before the operation. The community had sought military assistance due to threats from Ako Giant, who demanded 5 million FCFA from each village or vowed violence.
“Our lives were at stake,” expressed a member of the Betieku Clan. “We pleaded for help, but it’s disheartening to see the violence unfold in our community.”
While the military successfully dismantled a separatist camp and eliminated some fighters, residents remain fearful. Many have fled their homes and are currently hiding in the bushes. Ako Giant, known for extortion since the Anglophone crisis began in 2017, remains at large.
The civilian casualty adds a somber layer to this military operation, raising concerns about the human cost of the ongoing conflict. While the military action may have weakened the separatists in the area, the long-term solution requires addressing the root causes of the crisis and ensuring the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
