Cameroonian Aid Workers Released After Over 100 Days in Captivity

The two men, a project manager and a driver, along with a female community worker, were found safe near Maiduguri, Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria, on Friday evening.

While the circumstances of their release and the identity of their captors remain unclear, Olivier Routeau, Director of Operations for the NGO Première Urgence Internationale (PUI), expressed immense relief at their safe return.

Relief for PUI

"This release is a huge relief after more than 100 days of captivity," Routeau said in a statement. "Our colleagues are safe and sound and will be able to reunite with their loved ones very soon."

Kidnappings a Persistent Threat

The kidnapping of humanitarian workers has become a recurring issue in Cameroon's Far North region since the emergence of the terrorist group Boko Haram in 2013. The border areas with Nigeria and Lake Chad remain a security concern despite the presence of the Joint Multinational Force, a combined military effort from countries fighting Boko Haram. In addition to Boko Haram, armed gangs are also known to kidnap people for ransom.