Cameroon: BH kills five in Lake Chad area January 29

Event

The governor of the Far North region announced on Wednesday, January 29, that suspected Boko Haram militants carried out an attack in Blaram Island (Lake Chad area) overnight into Wednesday, January 29, killing at least five fishermen. The Governor added that a military outpost of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) was burnt down on Tuesday, January 28, in Blaram.

A heightened security presence is expected in the area over the near term. Similar Boko Haram attacks are also possible in Lake Chad over the near term.

Context

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts begun in 2015 and led by West African states Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger have diminished Boko Haram's effective territorial control, Amnesty International recently showed concerns about the resurgence of terrorist attacks in the area. Boko Haram's stronghold remains in northeastern Nigeria and the majority of its activities are concentrated in this area. However, the Far North region of Cameroon, especially areas along the Nigerian border, also regularly experiences attacks; the group's presence in Far North dates back to at least 2011.

Advice

Individuals present in Cameroon are advised to limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (crowded markets, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities. Some Western governments advise against travel to the Far North region, as well as other areas bordering Nigeria, Chad, and the Central African Republic; travel to these areas should only be considered with appropriate security protocols in place.