Fight Against Boko Haram: Cameroon, Nigeria strengthen ties against terrorism

Having dealt with the insurgencies from the Nigeria-based terrorist group, Boko Haram, both countries are seeking other means by which they could together as a unit combat the terrorist group.

In this regard, the new Chief-of-Staff for the Nigerian Army, Lucky Irabor was recieved on April 1, 2021 in Yaoundé by Defence Minister, Joseph Beti Assomo.

Amongst other things on the agenda of the two security officials, was the strengthening of collaboration in fighting against the deadly terrorist group, Boko Haram.

“Cameroon and Nigeria have been friends for a long time and we know the difficulties that the Far North of Cameroon and the North of Nigeria are going through. As a result, I was appointed along with some of my colleagues at the head of the Nigerian Army. It is our responsibility to rise to the challenge. It is with this in mind that I came to meet my Cameroonian colleagues so that we can work together,” Army General Lucky Irabor told the press after his meeting with Minister Beti Assomo.

“We will see how to strengthen our cooperation in the fight against Boko Haram and also the migration of terrorist threats in the North West and South West regions. Here too, we have common concerns. The threats being on both sides, we are federating our efforts,” added Minister Joseph Betti Assomo after their closed-door meeting.

Cameroon and Nigeria have been on the recieving end of several attacks from the terrorists for more than 10 years now. In Cameroon alone, at least 1000 people have been assassinated by the terrorists. Their most used tactic along the years have been suicide bombings. Recently however, the terrorists group have adopted surprised raids and attacks upon the population of the Far North Region, killing multitudes by this means. The population of the Far North Region have for long cried for more military reinforcement to protect them from the terrorists, and the meeting between Beti Assomo and the New Chief of Staff for the Nigerian Army can be considered a major boost in combating the deadly group.