The Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) has intensified its presence in Kribi to secure Cameroon’s southern coastline against piracy, illegal fishing, resource trafficking, and irregular migration.
The elite unit’s operations stretch from Malimba, at the mouth of the Sanaga River, to the Ntem River bordering Equatorial Guinea — a zone that hosts strategic national assets.
At the heart of this mission is the protection of critical infrastructure, notably the deep-sea port of Kribi and surrounding industrial zones, which are vital to Cameroon’s economic future. Authorities say the deployment is essential to prevent incursions and preserve state sovereignty along one of the country’s most sensitive coastal corridors.
The BIR has established a dual operational system combining maritime and land patrols, conducted in coordination with other defense and security forces. Officials report that these patrols have helped deter cross-border threats, reassure local communities, and enhance the visibility of state authority in the area.
Local residents and businesses have welcomed the BIR’s presence, citing greater confidence in the safety of fishing activities, port operations, and trade flows. Military officials stress that the sustained action of the unit not only stabilizes the region but also protects vital national resources and investments.
Created to respond rapidly to security threats, the BIR is an elite force reporting directly to the Presidency of the Republic. Its role in Kribi reflects both Cameroon’s determination to safeguard its maritime domain and the strategic importance of the southern coast to national development.
By Saju Linda
