Boko Haram already controls a vast swath of territory in northeastern Nigeria, but recently the militant group made new forays into Cameroon. On Dec. 28, roughly 1,000 militants crossed the dry riverbed that runs through the border town of Achigachia in a possible attempt to establish control over a portion of Cameroon's Far North region, where the group has long been active and recruited fighters. Simultaneously, militants launched attacks on Amchide, Makari, Waza, Mokolo and Guirvidig.
For the most part, Cameroon's Rapid Response Battalion has contained Boko Haram activity in the Far North region relatively effectively. However, the assault in Achigachia has called the battalion's competency into question. Militants temporarily took over Cameroon's side of the town and, with it, a Rapid Response Battalion military base. Cameroonian forces recovered the town within four hours, but by then Boko Haram fighters had managed to fly the group's flag and execute several civilians. Victory came only after troops called in airstrikes to push the militants back across the border.
The setback in Achigachia aside, Cameroon can more easily manage the threat posed by Boko Haram than Nigeria can. Nigerian troops operate under severe logistical and equipment constraints. They have also received lackluster support from President Goodluck Jonathan. Because of low troop morale, forces sometimes have refused to mobilize against Boko Haram when ordered to do so. Nigeria's military has attempted to overcome these difficulties with air support, but foreign air forces are hesitant to help because they are concerned the aircraft will be used to bomb civilians indiscriminately.
Cameroon's military is not so constrained. But then, Boko Haram is not nearly as active in northern Cameroon as it is in the remote areas of northeastern Nigeria. If the group attempts to acquire more territory in Cameroon, the government may be forced to apply substantially more resources.
