Far north: boko haram attack leaves 12 cameroonian soldiers dead

Critics say the attack which is one of the deadliest in recent times in the Boko Haram headache, raises questions about the effectiveness of the Multinational Task Force between Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad and Niger, in handling the prolonged crisis.

Twelve Cameroonian soldiers have been killed in a terrorist attack by Boko Haram fighters who disguised themselves as herders and launched a surprise raid on a military position in Nigeria’s border town of Wulgo. The Ministry of Defense of Cameroon confirmed the development in a statement yesterday. Disguised as herders and traders, the insurgents infiltrated the town and launched a surprise nighttime raid, killing 12 Cameroonian soldiers and wounding others.

The attack also led to the seizure of advanced weaponry; security sources confirmed. The assault took place in the early hours of March 25, 2025. By embedding operatives within local commerce activities in Gamboru, the group demonstrated an increasing ability to exploit weak points in military intelligence and border security. The militants struck with precision, engaging Cameroonian forces in a two-hour battle before overwhelming the defenses, looting heavy weapons, and torching military installations.

Among the weapons seized were Soviet-made Shilka guns, a significant loss for regional forces already struggling to maintain an advantage over insurgents. The Lake Chad Basin has long been a battleground for jihadist groups, but recent developments suggest a new escalation in hostilities. Following territorial losses in Nigeria’s Sambisa Forest to rival faction ISWAP, Boko Haram appears to be solidifying its hold in Cameroon’s Far North region and along border settlements such as Wulgo and Waza. Security analysts warn that the attack in Wulgo may signal a broader push by Boko Haram to disrupt multinational military operations.

The fragile coordination among regional forces—exacerbated by diplomatic strains between Nigeria and Niger—has created vulnerabilities that jihadist groups are exploiting. With insurgents becoming more emboldened, the need for reinforced military partnerships in the region is urgent. Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and Niger have previously collaborated under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), but operational lapses and political tensions have weakened its effectiveness. “This attack exposes a critical intelligence failure.

Without better coordination and proactive counterinsurgency strategies, more such attacks are likely,” warned a senior counterterrorism analyst. Beyond the military implications, the escalating violence continues to disrupt the livelihoods of millions. Farmers, herders, and traders—many of whom already struggle with food insecurity—are now caught between military crackdowns and insurgent violence. As Boko Haram and ISWAP expand their influence, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with displacement figures rising across the region.

The Wulgo attack serves as a grim reminder that despite years of counterterrorism efforts, the Lake Chad Basin remains a volatile hotspot where peace remains elusive. The region’s security forces must reassess their strategies to counter an increasingly adaptive and ruthless enemy. As of now, neither Nigerian nor Cameroonian military authorities have issued an official statement regarding the attack.