The Cameroonian government controversial spokesman and Minister of Communication, Issa Tchiroma Bakary presented on Tuesday  the latest developments in the war against the Nigerian Islamic sect, Boko Haram in which he cited some of the successes of the Cameroon army.

Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary revealed that 5,000 people detained by Boko Haram terrorists have been released in a special operation by the Cameroonian Defense Forces in Nigerian territory.  In the operation dubbed “Tonnerre 2”, conducted from 26 February to 7 March 2017 under the banner of Sector 1 of the Joint multinational Force, supported by the Alpha and Emergence 4 Operations and in synergy with the Nigerian armed forces “more than sixty terrorists were neutralized; 21 suspects arrested and are presently being exploited by the Nigerian forces and the relevant Cameroonian services.”

Tchiroma said a Boko Haram refugee camp located in the hills of the Mandaras Mountains, as well as a fuel depot and a warehouse full with explosives and military vehicles were destroyed. Coalition forces also recovered and destroyed 08 motorcycles, 49 bicycles and various propaganda objects including Boko Haram flags.

Minister Issa Tchiroma further stated that the special operation carried out by the coalition which took place in two stages benefited from the aerial support of attack helicopters from the Cameroon defense forces. The government spokesman confirmed that Sergeant Hlatsounga Francois sustained injuries which were not life threatening.

By Eyong Johnson