Nine fishermen killed, many abducted by suspected Boko Haram fighters in Cameroon

Darak, Cameroon – June 2025 – Nine fishermen have been killed and at least four others kidnapped in a series of attacks by suspected Boko Haram militants in the island community of Darak, located in the Far North Region of Cameroon.

Local government sources report that these incidents occurred over the past two weeks and link them to the Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram. The attacks mark another surge in violence in a region long plagued by insecurity from extremist groups operating around Lake Chad.

“Nine fishermen have died, and four were abducted. While those four have now been released, others remain in captivity,” an official in Darak who refused to be named noted.

Last weekend, the same area saw the kidnapping of six other livestock breeders, including four women. As of now, the abducted individuals remain in the custody of the suspected Boko Haram militants.

Insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin

The attacks underscore the persistent threat that Boko Haram factions pose to communities in the Lake Chad region. Armed groups frequently target civilians, looting livestock and fishing revenue, and using abductions to demand ransom or spread fear.

“These attacks, carried out in a short span of time, highlight a renewed wave of aggression and a strategy to destabilize rural communities,” a regional security analyst told DW.

Eyewitness accounts and local media suggest the JAS faction may be seeking to reassert dominance in strategic areas around the lake, amid reported rivalries with other extremist factions such as ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).

“The situation remains tense in the islands between Katikimé and Coriya, near Tchontchi. Residents have been displaced, and local officials are appealing for urgent security reinforcement,” a journalist based in Maroua reported.

Humanitarian Concerns and Civilian Toll

The attacks come as communities in Cameroon’s Far North continue to suffer from ongoing violence, with little protection or recourse. Local civil society organizations have warned that the surge in killings and kidnappings is likely to intensify food insecurity, displacement, and fear among civilians, especially those dependent on fishing and livestock rearing.

“These armed groups continue to target civilians, causing fear and instability in Darak and across the Lake Chad Basin,” the official added.

Government Response and Outlook

Cameroon’s military has yet to issue a detailed statement on the Darak attacks, though operations against Boko Haram factions are ongoing in the region. Security experts stress that a coordinated regional response — involving Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria, and Niger — remains essential to stabilizing the Lake Chad area.

The Lake Chad Basin continues to be one of Africa’s most volatile zones, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced since Boko Haram launched its insurgency in 2009.

MMI