30/10/2024
NGAOUNDÉRÉ: INSECURITY AND THE UNVEILING OF AN ARMS TRAFFICKING NETWORK
On the night of October 27 to 28, 2024, Cameroonian customs officers executed a significant seizure of war ammunition in Tchabal, uncovering a potential arms trafficking network. During a search of a passenger bus traveling from Maroua to Yaoundé, customs agents from the HALCOMI mission discovered a substantial cache of ammunition hidden among the luggage.
The 70-seater bus had passed through approximately six customs checkpoints without incident before reaching the Tchabal post, located 40 kilometers from Ngaoundéré. The inspection revealed a total of 3,144 rounds of ammunition, including 3,000 for M21 rifles, 119 for AK47s, and 25 for handguns. The alleged owner of the package, who claimed to be a military officer, was unable to provide any identification. During questioning, he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.
The suspect is currently detained under guard at the Military Security (SEMIL) office in Ngaoundéré and will be transferred to Yaoundé for further investigation. This seizure raises numerous questions, particularly regarding the intended destination of the ammunition, which was clearly not meant for the Ministry of Defense, as it has its own official supply channels.
The circumstances surrounding this cargo suggest a possible arms trafficking network. Could this ammunition have been destined for criminal groups operating in major cities like Yaoundé or Douala? Was it intended for armed gangs involved in kidnappings for ransom in the Adamaoua and East regions? Or perhaps for separatist groups in the Anglophone regions of the North-West and South-West?
Authorities now face many questions, as this seizure implies a potentially vast clandestine network. One thing is clear: the transporter of this cargo was likely not acting alone, and this operation underscores the vigilance of the Tchabal customs officers in addressing critical national security concerns.