Cameroon’s BIR arrests commander of Nigerian militant group

By Nukapuh .P

The Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR soldiers of Cameroon have arrested one commander of the Biafran Nations League, BnL, a secessionist group in Eastern Nigeria, Cameroon News Agency gathered.

According to information confirmed by the leader of the BnL, Princewill Chimeze Richards, Henry Edet was napped by BIR soldiers on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in Atabong East, in the Bakassi peninsula, South West region of Cameroon.

While talking to CNA, Princewill Chimeze confirmed that Henry Edet who is the operational commander of BnL has been captured in connection with the Black Marine, a militant group that has allegedly killed some Cameroonian forces in the area.

While making it known that they are still determined and other officers will continue to follow up on their activities, Princewill Chimeze added that they are giving the Cameroonian forces one week to release Edet.

“His capture is a painful one because he has done a great job for us, especially in the area of mobilization. This is the reason why we will go after them if they don’t free him in 7 days from today,” Princewill Chimeze told CNA.

The leader also revealed that the group commands large militant loyalists in the Gulf of Guinea.

In April 2022, another commander of the group was killed by Cameroonian forces during an operation in that he tried to escape.

This is coming at a time when there is still a lot of tension along the Bakassi peninsula, as the government of Nigeria recently asked for a review of judgement over some areas. The case is still awaiting to be handled by the International Court of Justice.

However, it should be recalled that in October 2002, the International Court of Justice delivered a judgement in favour of Cameroon, on the land and maritime border between both countries in the presence of President Paul Biya and the former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo. Both presidents promised to respect and abide by the court’s judgement.