Boko Haram Attacking Cameroon for Supplies

Despite a decrease in deadly attacks, Cameroon said suspected Boko Haram fighters have been seizing food and livestock from farmers and cattle ranchers on its northern border with Nigeria for the past few weeks. Most of the food producers are now relocating to safer areas away from the border.

Midjiyawa Bakari, Governor of the region of the far North, said the armed insurgents carry out raids in groups of 5 to10 - seizing cattle, food and money from residents along Cameroon's border with Nigeria's Borno state.

He said the very long and porous border with Nigeria makes it possible for the insurgents to attack crop farmers, cattle ranchers and small businesses and quickly make a getaway.

Sali Dairou, a member of the National Assembly from northern Cameroon, told VOA some of the farmers who refuse to cooperate with the assailants have been killed.

But the governor said the inability of Boko Haram to organize a major attack on Cameroon for more than two months now is an indication they are finding it very difficult to regroup themselves in Nigeria due to the offensives carried out by the new regional military force with troops from Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria.

He said he is very sure Boko Haram will be terminated soon and that today, everyone can see that the end of the terrorist group is near.

The last major attack by Boko Haram on Cameroonian territory was on January 10, 2015 at Fotokol - when about 300 assailants killed 500 people.