On Cameroon’s northern border with Nigeria, reports say Boko Haram fighters have been stealing food and animals from farmers for the past few weeks. Most of the food producers are now moving to safer areas away from the border.

Midjiyawa Bakari is governor of the Far North region. He said the armed men carry out raids in small groups. He said they steal cows, food and money from Cameroonians living along the border with Nigeria's Borno state.

Mr. Bakari said the border between Cameroon and Nigeria is long and there are few border guards. He said this makes it easy for the militants to attack crop farmers, cattle farmers and small businesses. They can quickly cross back into Nigeria after an attack.

FILE - Cameroon soldiers stand guard at a lookout post as they take part in operations against the Islamic extremists group Boko Haram, their guard post is on Elbeid bridge, left rear, that separates northern Cameroon form Nigeria's Borno state.

Sali Dairou is a member of the National Assembly from northern Cameroon. He told VOA that the militants have killed some of the farmers who refused to cooperate with them.

There have been fewer major Boko Haram attacks in Cameroon during the last two months. The governor said the decrease suggests that the group has problems. Mr. Bakari said he thinks the new coalition military force of troops from Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria may be weakening Boko Haram.

Mr. Bakari said he is very sure that this force will stop Boko Haram soon. He said he believes everyone can see that the end of the militant group is near.

I’m Jill Robbins.

Words in This Story

raid – n. a sudden attack carried out as an act of war, or for the purpose of seizing or stealing something

cattle – n. cows, bulls, or steers that are kept on a farm or ranch for meat or milk

assembly – n. a group of people who make and change laws for a government or organization

regional – adj. of or relating to a particular region, district, area, or part, as of a country; sectional; local

Now it’s your turn. What do you think of the fight against Boko Haram in Nigeria and Cameroon? Write to us in the comments section.

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