Cintia A. , Lebledparle.com
Shock waves have swept through the ranks of the Cameroon gendarmerie following the suspension of two brigade commanders. The Secretary of State for Defence, in charge of the Gendarmerie, Galax Etoga, took the decision, citing “gross misconduct” by the officers concerned.
The brigade commanders of Ayos, in the Centre region, and Atok, in the East region, have been relieved of their duties and reassigned to the headquarters of their respective legions. To ensure continuity of service since 20 January, their superiors are handing over command to the most senior non-commissioned officers in the highest rank. This arrangement will remain in place until new brigade commanders are appointed.
This sanction follows the launch of a large-scale operation, dubbed ‘Spider’, three days earlier, led by the gendarmerie in the department of Nyong and Mfoumou, aimed at combating insecurity and crime. According to sources, the operation led to the arrest of more than 126 people, with the seizure of large size weapons, drugs and a considerable amount of money. Reports from Journal du Cameroun stated “Some were in possession of 12-gauge weapons, stocks of tramadol, cannabis, other drugs, and military gear. One young man was arrested around midnight with 120 million CFA francs in a rucksack“.
The operation undertaken by the Central Gendarmerie Legion is part of an initiative to clean up the outskirts of Yaoundé.
