Cameroon’s defense forces have killed a high-profile separatist fighter after raiding a village in the country’s restive North West Region, in what locals are calling a major breakthrough in efforts to restore peace to the area.
The operation, led by soldiers of the 3rd Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR), took place in the early hours of June 25 in the village of Benahundu, near Benakuma in Menchum Division.
The area has long been plagued by armed separatist groups seeking to establish an independent state known as “Ambazonia.”
According to military sources, the offensive was based on intelligence gathered from the Wum sector.
Forces infiltrated and raided a suspected hideout, resulting in the death of a separatist commander known by the alias “Vandam,” who was reportedly responsible for multiple kidnappings and acts of violence against civilians in the area.
The raid also led to the recovery of several weapons and ammunition, including: an AK-47 assault rifle, an AK-47 magazine box, 16 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition, among others.
Authorities say the operation was part of an ongoing series of tactical engagements targeting separatist across Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, where fighting between government forces and non-state armed groups has persisted since 2017.
Joy and Relief
News of the recent operation has spread quickly throughout the Esimbi Clan, which comprises 13 villages in the Menchum Valley Subdivision.
Residents, some of whom have lived in fear of separatist retaliation for years, expressed joy and relief over the military’s success.
“I’m from one of the villages they’ve been terrorizing since 2017,” said one local, who fled the area in 2021 due to threats from armed fighters.
“Many of them have fled to other regions like Littoral and Centre, but those who remain continue to intimidate and extort our people.”
He described “Vandam” as one of the most brutal commanders, with links to other rebels based in Wum.
He added that many of the fighters in the area are poorly educated.
“These men have caused unimaginable harm to our people. Some of them have now gone into hiding, and they can’t even stand the sound of gunfire,” he said.
Civilians in the Crosshairs
Many communities in the North West have been asking the government for permanent military outposts to deter increasing separatist attacks on civilians.
A report published on June 20, 2025, by the Cameroon Anglophone Database of atrocities links Ambazonia fighters to several abuses on civilians.
The report accuses separatists of burning schools, kidnapping students and school administrators and attacking government officials.
While observers say the gravity of the armed conflict has reduced, both the military and civilians continue to exchange gunfire primarily in enclave suburbs.
The Anglophone Crisis began in late 2016, as peaceful protests against the perceived marginalisation of English-speaking regions faced violent repression.
The crisis escalated into armed conflict, with separatists declaring an independent state and launching attacks on state institutions and civilians.
Despite the Major National Dialogues of 2019, and international calls for peace, the conflict continues to claim lives and displace thousands. Rights groups have reported widespread abuses by both separatist fighters and government forces.
The government likely views the recent military action in Benahundu as a tactical success, but analysts caution that without a political solution, these victories may provide only temporary relief.
