In a joint military-vigilante operation, the Nigerian military rescued three Cameroonians, including a soldier, and eight other individuals from the clutches of trans-border bandits.
The Cameroonian soldier and his compatriots were captured on Monday at a border post operated by the Cameroonian Gendarmerie.
The bandits, believed to have fled Zamfara in Nigeria’s Northwest region, sought refuge in a forest bordering Adamawa, Taraba states, and the Republic of Cameroon.
Presently, the bandits are concentrated in the Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State, using it as a base for launching raids on nearby communities, as disclosed by the council chairman, Suleiman Ahmed Gangkuba.
Residents in the affected areas revealed that the bandits are hiding in the forest adjoining Karemti, Adaboro, and Kogin Baba axes, launching attacks on market days, homes, and farms, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the area.
The joint military-vigilante operation led to the successful rescue of the kidnapped victims, bringing them safely to Toungo town.
The spokesperson for the police in the state, Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the rescue, stating, “A Cameroonian soldier and two fellow nationals were rescued alongside five indigenes of Taraba state. They were brought safely to Toungo town.”
In a related incident, the bandits recently sacked Dawo and 11 other communities, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Eyewitnesses described the bandits as operating in large numbers, moving from market to market, indiscriminately killing and looting.