Both countries must work together to stop Boko Haram from using open borders to revive the operation.
On January 27th, Nigerian Governor Borno and Cameroon’s Far Northern Region launched the livestock market for Bank, once a major hub for cross-border trade between the two countries. Like several others in Cameroon and Nigeria, the Amchi Debanki border post was closed in 2014 at the height of Boko Haram activities in the region.
In early 2014, violent extremist groups moved to the Bank, where they planned an attack on Cameroon. Nigeria has closed its borders to prevent further invasions. Cameroon closed the intersection of the Fotokol-Gambal border after the 2015 Battle of Gambol and attacked at other nearby border posts.
As military operations and regional stabilization strategies improved security, the Amchidé Banki border reopened in 2019, followed by Fotokol-Gambaru Crossing in 2021.
The closure disrupts booming trans-border markets that have maintained the economy of border communities. For most of its neighbours, Nigeria is the region’s major economic and trade partner. Items from Nigeria pass through Amchide, Limani and Fotokol on their way to Chad, Sudan and the Central African Republic.
Thus, the three towns are important transport centres and warehouses for local traders, generating employment and revenue through taxes that local authorities can use for development initiatives.
Overall, reopening the borders is contributing to Cameroon’s national economy through tariffs. Northern Customs data reviewed by the Security Institute (ISS) revealed that Limani was the most profitable office in the region, generating annual revenues of XAF1 114 791 860 (approximately 1,900,000 US dollars) before the Boko Haram attack began in 2013. In 2024, revenue reached XAF2 201 420 676 (approximately USD 3,800,000). Fotokol collected Xaf1 519 630 651 (US $2 600 000) in 2024.
But Boko Haram has not been defeated, presenting security threats to both countries. The reopening of the border undoubtedly stimulated the local economy, but also benefited the rebels.
The Amchidé-Banki market, which is currently thriving, allows border communities to trade in livestock and food. But it can, like in the past, serve as a source of Boko Haram and provide a new driving force for the militant violent economy. For example, Boko Haram can use the newly launched cattle market at Banki to resell stolen cows. This is an activity that served as a major source of income for the group.
Members of the Lake Basin Committee of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger have launched a 2019 regional stabilization strategy to enable livelihood recovery in areas suffering from Boko Haram. This strategy involves maintaining security and providing basic services and immediate means of self-sufficiency to affected communities.
The revival of cross-border trade and economic activity has contributed significantly to the stabilization process by enhancing the resilience of local communities. Also, new socioeconomic opportunities have led to the virtual return of displaced people to their communities.
However, as traffic has resumed across the Cameroon border in northern Nigeria, traders and transporters are increasingly targeted by terrorists. Attacks and ambushings targeting traders and transporters on the road, as well as night raids on communities occur almost daily in both countries.
According to ISS data, between September and November 2024, at least 29 ambushings or attacks were launched against vehicles transporting trade products from Banki or Amchidé. Trucks often empty their contents and burn them, but drivers and traders are lured or killed.
The road linking Banki-Amchidé-Limani and Fotokol-Maltam to International Route No. 1 is audible by ruts, passing through the bushes for several kilometers. Boko Haram often places improvised explosive devices on this road.
The Banki-Amchidé-Limani and Fotokol regions are threatened by two major Boko Haram factions run mainly in Fotokol in the north, the Islamic State West Africa province (ISWAP) and Jamaturis Sunnaridda Awati (JAS), based in Mount Mandala in the south. The existence of Boko Haram threatens the progress and stability that will be made possible by the reopening of trade routes.
Recent reports also show massive ISWAP attacks on military posts in Cameroon, Chad and Niger, aimed at weakening security equipment, stocking weapons and exploiting burgeoning cross-border trade. This surge in terrorism could undermine the trust of the community of their country’s security forces. It also increases the vulnerability of local people and often leads them to work with the rebels in exchange for increased security.
It is most important for Cameroon and Nigeria to strengthen physical security and strengthen intelligence to detect and disrupt terrorist operations. A positive strategy can prevent the spread of Boko Haram cells along boundaries and major trade routes, as in the case of past military efforts.
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In 2015 and 2016, operations by the Cameroonian Army, supported by Nigerian conditioners of the Cameroonian Army and Nigerian Joint Task Force, dismantled Boko Haram’s hideout and suicide bomber training bases in the villages of ngoshié and Kumshé, Nigeria.
These operations should include the Air Force led by the Nigerian Army and Operation Hadin Kai. The collaboration should aim to dismantle Boko Haram cells, which are aimed at cross-border traders, their vehicles and members of local communities.
To protect trade flows and stop Boko Haram’s activities, a military escort system is also needed dedicated to securing a convoy of goods. Military escorts will also help limit illegal human trafficking and prevent intrusions by Boko Haram agents attempting to resupply.
Road infrastructure needs to be improved too. Special reconstruction and development programmes for the far north of Cameroon should prioritize road upgrades at Mora Amchide and Fotokol Maltam, as requested by local governments.
Celestine Delaranga, Regional Office and Head of Research at Sahel, Regional Office in West Africa
