Cameroon Steps Up Maritime Security Operations Against Smuggling

By Njoh Linda

Cameroon has stepped up maritime security operations along its southwestern coast, with Customs officials and the Navy planning joint patrols to combat smuggling and cross-border crime.

The move followed security meetings held on Thursday, October 22, in Limbe and Idenau, two coastal locations in the Southwest Region, under Operation HALCOMI IV, a government anti-smuggling initiative.

Officials focused on improving intelligence sharing, coordinating field operations, and strengthening logistics between customs and naval forces.

The discussions also reviewed the implementation of a 2015 cooperation agreement between the Ministries of Finance and Defense.

The planned operations will involve the Limbe Naval Base, the Special Protection Company responsible for security at the SONARA oil refinery, and the Combat Divers Company.

Authorities say closer coordination between Customs and the Navy is intended to disrupt illicit trade routes, improve coastal security, and protect government revenue.

Cameroon’s coastline is a strategic corridor for trade and maritime activity, making efforts to curb smuggling and other cross-border crimes a key security concern.