Over 50 Arrested as Cameroonian Forces Free Ten Hostages in Far North

           Freed Boko Haram Hostages.

An operation by the Cameroonian army has led to the rescue of ten hostages, including four children, who were abducted a week ago in Zigague, Far North Region. 

The victims, kidnapped on August 14, 2025, following an attack on a Touristique agency bus, were freed in a joint operation by the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), the national gendarmerie, the police, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (FMM).

    Midjiyawa Bakary, Far North Governor.

Governor of the Far North Region, Midjiyawa Bakary, announced the release on Thursday, August 22, 2025, confirming that the hostages had been taken across the border into Nigeria by their captors before being traced and rescued near the Waza area, in Logone-et-Chari Division. 

“Our forces mobilized, combed the terrain and reinforced security units from Maroua. The kidnappers were forced to abandon the captives,” the governor explained.

Among those rescued are four children of Annie Florentine Nga, whose five children had been taken hostage. The eldest son, however, was executed by the kidnappers before the rescue mission. 

“Unfortunately, one of the hostages was killed by the abductors. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family,” Governor Bakary said.

Ten Freed Hostages Under Medical Care.

The freed hostages are currently under medical examination and debriefing at a BIR camp. Families have been informed and are expected to reunite with their loved ones once security and health checks are complete.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of over fifty suspects believed to be linked to kidnapping networks along the Maroua–Zigague highway, a route notorious for ambushes and abductions. 

Security forces have placed two nearby villages under close surveillance, maintaining cordons and regular patrols to deter further attacks.

One of the Freed Hostages Being Administered.

The Zigague kidnapping sparked nationwide outrage and grief, particularly after reports emerged that an entire family had been targeted. While some critics on social media doubted the government’s resolve, the successful rescue has been presented as proof of ongoing military efforts against Boko Haram and affiliated armed groups.

The Far North Region has long been a hotspot for cross-border terrorism and hostage-taking. In 2013, Boko Haram kidnapped a French family of seven in the same region, an incident that drew global attention and led to the eventual release of the hostages after weeks of negotiations.

As investigations continue, authorities say they remain committed to securing highways and protecting civilians in border communities that have endured repeated waves of violence.