Woulgo Attack: Boko Haram Kills Elite Cameroonian Soldiers with Kamikaze Drones

The attack took place in Woulgo, a border town between Cameroon and Nigeria, and is being described by military sources as one of the most sophisticated and lethal operations carried out by the insurgent group in years.

Aerial Bombardment Using Kamikaze Drones

According to military sources, the attack began with a wave of kamikaze drones, marking a dangerous evolution in the group’s combat tactics. The drones reportedly struck strategic defense points, including watchtowers and surveillance posts, followed by a ground assault on motorcycles, a signature tactic of the extremist group.

“They used drones to disable our defenses before storming the base. This is unprecedented here,” a soldier stationed in the region told Cameroon Concord.

Unconfirmed Toll: At Least 10 Soldiers Killed

A provisional list of casualties includes the names of 11 Cameroonian soldiers who lost their lives in the attack. They were members of elite units including the BTAP (Airborne Troops Battalion) and BSA (Special Amphibious Battalion), and some were part of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional military coalition involving Nigeria, Chad, Niger, and Cameroon.

Provisional List of Fallen Soldiers:

1. Cpl. HAMBOA BELOKO HERVÉ – RASS

2. Cpl. TSOPBENG JEUGUE – BBR

3. Adj.-Chef ONGOLO RIGOBERT – GENIE

4. Cpl. ZOUA TEIZOUMBE FABIEN – RASA

5. Cpl. EVINA MEGONG CLAUDIN – BBR

6. Pvt. 2nd Class DOURANDI LAURENT – RASA

7. Pvt. 1st Class ESSOMBA ESSOMBA SYLVAIN SERGES – BSA

8. Cpl. ATEBA MELENDE PAUL – BSA

9. Cpl. DOURWE DOUNI BACKER – BSA

10. Cpl. TISSEBE BLAMSIA JEAN – BSA

11. Sgt. OHANDJA ONANA LUC – BTAP

Escalation and Regional Security Concerns

The use of combat drones by Boko Haram suggests increasing foreign support, funding, or tactical training, and raises new alarm over regional insecurity. Security analysts warn that this could signal a new phase in the insurgency, where technology-enhanced warfare becomes a norm.

Just ten days earlier, another military outpost in Soueram was attacked, with large stockpiles of weapons seized by the assailants. This string of attacks demonstrates that despite years of counterinsurgency operations, Boko Haram remains a formidable threat.

A Failing Counterinsurgency Strategy?

This devastating ambush has once again highlighted the fragility of Cameroon’s defense posture in the Far North, despite heavy military presence and regional cooperation. Since Cameroon joined the fight against Boko Haram in 2014, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed, and millions displaced.

Military insiders and analysts are calling for a reassessment of counter-terror operations, improved intelligence-sharing, and greater investment in drone detection and air defense systems.

As the nation mourns the fallen, questions are being raised over whether enough is being done to equip the military with the tools to face this evolving and high-tech insurgency.

“The time for complacency is over. If Cameroon does not adapt its counter-terrorism strategy, we risk more devastating losses in the near future,” warned a regional security analyst in Maroua.

Reporting by Cameroon Concord Newsroom | Follow @CamConcord for updates