Two BIR Soldiers Killed, Three Injured in IED Attack in Muyuka, Cameroon

Two members of Cameroon’s elite Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) were killed and three others critically injured on Monday, 5th May 2025. The tragedy follows an improvised explosive device (IED) attack during a military mission in the locality of Munyenge. The attack is reported to have taken place near Ikata village in the Muyuka Subdivision, South West Region of Cameroon.

The explosion struck the BIR vehicle as it moved through the conflict-prone region, reportedly killing Lieutenant Maliva, a native of Bova in Buea, and Corporal Ayissi. Officials have not yet released the names of the injured soldiers.

Meanwhile, amateur images and a video that MMI has seen show a soldier lying motionless near the badly damaged armoured vehicle, his feet both chopped off by the explosive.

Part of a Broader Conflict

Recent attacks continue to emerge from the ongoing conflict between Cameroonian government forces and separatist fighters in the Anglophone regions of the country. Armed groups seeking independence for a self-declared state known as “Ambazonia” have repeatedly targeted security personnel with IEDs and ambushes. Over the last few weeks, there have been increasing attacks on civilians. Most of the attacks took place in the North West Region. In the North West, separatist activity has been more palpable, with frequent reports of kidnappings for ransom and extrajudicial killing of civilians by separatists. This attack in the South West highlights a different trend.

It is the first major separatist attack against Cameroonian soldiers in the South West region since May 10, 2024, when separatists ambushed and killed five gendarme officers in Manyu Division.

Separatist attacks on the military have been minimal in the region, where the military have raided several separatist hideouts in the last four months of this year.

IED attacks, often difficult to detect and capable of inflicting severe casualties, have become a hallmark of the insurgency in both the South-West and North-West regions.

No Official Statement Yet

Cameroonian authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the attack. The BIR has frequently operated in restive areas where separatists are active, serving as a key component of the military’s anti-insurgency operations.

This latest attack raises concerns about the safety of military personnel and civilians in Muyuka and nearby areas. Although some areas have experienced relative calm in recent months, the Munyenge blast highlights the continued volatility of the region.

Victims Identified, Medical Response Underway

Rescue teams have reportedly recovered the bodies of Lieutenant Maliva and Corporal Ayissi from the scene. Meanwhile, the wounded soldiers are reportedly receiving emergency medical treatment. Their condition remains critical.

This attack further marks a significant blow to the morale of Cameroonian forces and illustrates the ongoing risks faced by troops operating in the country’s Anglophone regions.

Mimi mefo Info