Boko Haram frees 35 fishermen in Cameroon’s Far North after ransom payment

Thirty-five fishermen were freed in the early hours of Monday, June 29, 2020, following intense negotiations in the Far North region.

The hostages had been held for several days in the remote islands of Lake Chad, a known hideout for Boko Haram operatives. Their release came after a ransom payment of 2.7 million FCFA was made to the insurgent group.

The fishermen recounted harrowing experiences during their captivity, describing harsh conditions in the group’s stronghold near Filin Bado. This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram in the region, where kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly frequent.

Local authorities have yet to comment on the security implications of this latest development, but the incident has raised concerns about the safety of civilians in the area.