On 18 March 2025, Boko Haram militants ambushed and clashed with vigilante members (coded as Blablim communal militia) in Blablin (Kolofata, Mayo-Sava, Extreme-Nord). 2 Boko Haram militants were killed, and 3 others were arrested and handed over to military forces.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1) Summary On March 18, armed clashes occurred between Boko Haram militants and local vigilante groups in Kolofata, Mayo-Sava division in Cameroon's Far North region. High-intensity fighting resulted in 2 Boko Haram fighters killed and 3 captured, demonstrating continued security instability in the Lake Chad basin border areas.

2) Supply-chain impact

• Agricultural production disruption: The Far North region is a major cotton and grain producing area in Cameroon, with concerns over farmer displacement and farming cessation due to ongoing armed conflicts
• Cross-border trade disruption: Strengthened controls on informal trade routes in the Chad-Cameroon border areas are expected to constrain cross-border movement of agricultural and livestock products
• Transportation infrastructure risks: Increased security threats on major road networks between Kolofata-Maroua could lead to rising logistics costs and delivery delays
• Regional market dysfunction: Suspension of operations at major markets within Boko Haram activity areas is heightening risks of essential goods supply chain disruption

3) Watch points

• Whether the Cameroon government forces will intensify counter-terrorism operations in the Far North region and the possibility of civilian evacuation orders
• Trends in Chad-Cameroon border checkpoint closures and expanded scope of restrictions on humanitarian supply transport