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| Civilians are often caught in the crossfire between separatist demands and government security operations, leading to population displacement, fear, and economic disruption. |
— YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon
On Saturday morning, May 23, 2026, armed Ambazonia separatist fighters abducted approximately 40 civilians in Bamti-Noni Subdivision, Bui Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon. The victims include lactating mothers and pregnant women.
According to local sources and media outlets such as the Cameroon News Agency (CNA) and MMI News, the abductees were targeted for refusing to participate in a community road maintenance project organized by the separatist group. They have been detained, and a ransom of 15,000 CFA francs (approximately US$25-26) is being demanded for their release. No official confirmation or comment has been issued by administrative or security authorities to date.
This incident is part of a recurring pattern in the Anglophone crisis plaguing Cameroon (also known as the Ambazonia War), which erupted in 2016-2017 fueled by resentment over the marginalization of the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions. Armed separatist factions frequently impose “community service,” lockdowns (ghost towns), informal taxes, and mandatory contributions on local populations to consolidate their control and generate revenue.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a common means of financing and law enforcement for non-state armed groups in this conflict. Human rights organizations and observers have documented numerous attacks against civilians perpetrated by separatists, including kidnappings, extortion at roadblocks, and reprisals for disobeying orders. Civilians are often caught in the crossfire between separatist demands and government security operations, leading to population displacement, fear, and economic disruption.
The Bui Division has experienced similar incidents, including the kidnapping of students in areas like Kumbo. The crisis has resulted in thousands of deaths, hundreds of thousands of displaced persons, and ongoing humanitarian challenges, with both sides accused of abuses.