Chadian defense and security forces have successfully rescued six Cameroonian children who were abducted near the border town of Larmanaye, close to Cameroon. The children were held captive for several days while the kidnappers demanded a ransom of 30 million CFA francs (approximately $49,000). The rescue operation, carried out overnight between July 12 and 13, 2025, was coordinated by Chad’s military intelligence units and local security personnel. According to officials, all suspects involved were “neutralized” during the operation. Authorities are now investigating whether the kidnappers are part of a wider cross-border criminal syndicate operating in the volatile Mayo-Kebbi West and Logone Oriental regions.
On July 15, the six children were formally presented to the public and media in Monts de Lam by the region’s prefect, Idriss Souleymane Bouyemé, who praised the collaborative effort between the security forces, local leaders, and community members. He commended residents for providing key intelligence that led to the operation’s success. Incidents of ransom-based abductions have been rising in the border areas between Chad and Cameroon, often targeting vulnerable families. The Chadian government says it is ramping up efforts to dismantle these kidnapping networks and strengthen regional security cooperation with Cameroonian authorities.
Bouyemé assured that the rescued children are in good health and receiving trauma support. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating criminal activity along the border and protecting communities at risk.
