**Yaoundé, Cameroon**— An assault by Islamic militants near the Nigerian border on Monday night claimed the lives of at least 12 Cameroonian soldiers, as per a recent statement from Cameroon’s Ministry of Defense. The ambush, which led to over a dozen additional soldiers being wounded, took place in the Lake Chad region close to Wulgo, the ministry reported on Thursday.
While initial reports did not list any group responsible, authorities later suspected involvement by Boko Haram militants or a faction loyal to the Islamic State. The Defense Ministry noted that these attackers were likely equipped with advanced weaponry and might have alliances with influential transnational criminal networks, which could have contributed to the success of their operation.
According to Matan Daniel, a researcher at the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre in Israel, this event highlights a significant communication problem among the countries surrounding Lake Chad. Established to tackle militant organizations, the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) was meant to allow cross-border pursuits and better intelligence sharing among member countries.
However, recent tensions have affected the task force’s effectiveness. Chad had considered withdrawing following a severe assault that killed 17 of its soldiers in November, and Niger exited the coalition last year after a coup destabilized the nation.
“The apparent fragility and partial withdrawal from the MNJTF may have contributed to this deadly encounter. The lack of coordinated response and intelligence sharing provides militants with opportunities, seen in this recent attack’s extended duration. A more rapid response from Cameroonian or nearby forces might have led to fewer casualties or altered the outcome,” Daniel observed.
Boko Haram initially emerged in Nigeria in 2009, advocating against Western education and enforcing stringent Islamic regulations. This militant conflict, now recognized as Africa’s longest, has since expanded into neighboring Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.
Despite a reduction in attacks in recent months, David Otto from the International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism in Ivory Coast underscores the potency these groups still hold, thanks to technological advancements. “Boko Haram-affiliated jihadist factions remain capable of executing high-tech ambushes, employing modern tools like drones. This adaptation evidences their sophistication and evolving threat,” Otto explained.
The toll of violence is staggering, with the U.N. recording the deaths of approximately 35,000 civilians and the displacement of over 2 million people in northeastern Nigeria alone. This longstanding conflict drew international attention in 2014 when Boko Haram abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno state, the conflict’s central area.
Such incidents continue to plague the region, with Boko Haram responsible for an attack in January that resulted in at least 40 deaths in Nigeria. Despite global efforts, vast areas remain embroiled in a cycle of relentless aggression.