Boko Haram threat: Over 2000 Nigerians deported from Cameroon

In a bid to strengthen its security further and to combat Boko Haram, Cameroon has deported 2000 illegal Nigerian immigrants from its territory as a part of its new security by measures to prevent further suicide attacks. Cameroon has witnessed a series of suicide terrorist attacks in the recent past by Boko Haram.

The deportations came just a day after Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari visited Cameroon on a bilateral visit and discussed ways to combat the escalating regional security threats posed by Boko Haram. Both countries have committed to strengthen cooperation between their countries in the fight against insurgents.

Cameroon has taken a slew of steps to bolster its security, including banning women from wearing the full face-veil with growing fears that the suicide bombers could use the garments to hide explosives. The approach and tone has changed in Maroua after the recent attacks with the authorities asking the foreigners and displaced people in the border areas especially Nigerians to go back home as a major security measure.

Boko Haram’s insurgency has spread from Nigeria across the borders into Chad as well as Cameroon. The strengthening of security cooperation among the African countries has been gaining momentum against the backdrop of rising terror attacks in the continent. Counter-terror cooperation was a key theme of US President Barack Obama’s recent visit to to Kenya and Ethiopia.

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