The release of the 35 fishermen took place overnight from Sunday, June 28 to Monday, June 29, 2026.
All 35 fishermen had been held captive for several days by elements of the Islamist sect Boko Haram. Their freedom was secured after a ransom payment of 2.7 million FCFA was handed over by the families.
According to initial testimonies from the freed men, they were detained in the Filin Bado area, one of the many islands on Lake Chad. The area has become a hotspot for kidnappings as armed groups and terrorists increasingly demand ransoms for hostages.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Cameroon’s Extreme-North region, where Boko Haram continues to operate despite military efforts. The payment of ransoms has become a recurring tactic, fueling further abductions.