Cameroon: Boko Haram militants kill three civilians in attack in Mayo-Sava department (Far North region) May 11

Event

Boko Haram militants killed three civilians and wounded another in Mayo-Sava department (Far North region) on Monday, May 11. The incident reportedly took place in the Makoulahe area in Podoko-Nord canton. The militants opened fire on residents while they looted shops and stole grain and livestock. Additional security forces have been deployed to the area following the attack. The militants reportedly launched another assault on the village of Bodo near Lake Chad on Monday night (local time), but the damage there was minimized by the prompt response of security forces.

Further militant attacks are possible in Far North region over the near term amid a heightened security presence.

Context

Boko Haram was also accused of conducting a suicide bombing in the village of Achigachia (Far North region) on April 11, and a double suicide attack that killed seven people in Mayo-Sava department on April 6.

Although regional counterinsurgency efforts begun in 2015 have diminished Boko Haram's effective territorial control, Amnesty International has expressed 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. The militant group has maintained a presence in the Far North region dating back to 2011; as such, the region regularly experiences attacks, particularly in areas along the Nigerian border.

Advice

Individuals present in Cameroon are advised to limit time in areas deemed particularly likely to be targeted in a terrorist attack (e.g. crowded markets, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to relevant authorities.

Some Western governments advise against travel to 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.