The locality of Nkwen in the Bamenda III municipality, North West Region that has been known to enjoy relative peace recently came under the surge of kidnappers and separatist fighters who have been causing havoc in the area.
Those who sell Brasseries drinks, owners of luxurious cars and a wife to a business tycoon have been kidnapped within the last three weeks.
This disturbing situation caused the military in the North West region with instructions from the commander of the 5th Joint military region Brigadier General Nka Valere to launch a manhunt for perpetrators of these acts.
A tip off from the locals took the forces of law and order to Mforya in Bafut, some 2.5 KM from mile 4 in Nkwen.
The operation, the army said, resulted in the killing of five separatists specialized in kidnappings especially in Nkwen and other neighborhoods in Bamenda.
According to Major Onana Conrad, leader of the operation that had some 33 elements, they arrived at the camp at 1am on Thursday August 19th, 2021.
The fighters who were armed with three AK47s and two locally made guns attempted to resist and the exchange with the soldiers left five separatist fighters dead.
Brigadier Generals Nka Valere of the 5th Joint military region and Ekongwese Divine of the 5th Gendamerie region congratulated the forces for the work done while announcing their latest strides.
General Nka Valere encouraged the soldiers to keep up the good work and ensure that any hideouts of Separatist Fighters and kidnappers are destroyed in the entire region.
The population of Bamenda which has been victim of these constant harassment and extortion have received the news with much anxiety.
The call for increase security presence in Nkwen especially at night has been made while the military says they await more tip-offs from the population.
The operation comes just few days after another military operation led to the reopening of roads in Bali and Bambui.
By Timfuchi Aaron
Army kills five separatist fighters, destroys camp in Nforya, Bafut
