Security forces in the Southwest region have dismantled what authorities describe as a major illegal firearms and narcotics network in Buea after a joint police and gendarmerie operation. Officials at the scene confirmed that the arsenal recovered inside the premises contained firearms and ammunitions siphoned directly from the Cameroon military stockpiles. Primary findings also confirmed a large number of the weapons came from a recent badge of weapons recently acquired by the Cameroon military, making the situation even more alarming.
The joint team moved in on the premises of Jmauritz Engineering in the early hours of 25 April 2026. This was the apex of a one year tracking of suspicious movements in and around the premises of Jmauritz Engineering in Buea as the authorities later confirmed. What began as a targeted raid quickly escalated into a fierce hours-long gunbattle when armed separatist fighters barricaded inside the premises opened fire on the approaching officers. Nearby residents described hearing prolonged bursts of gunfire before heavily armed security units cordoned off the streets.
According to security sources, three suspected separatist fighters were killed during the confrontation, while one police officer also lost his life. Several other members of the security forces sustained injuries.
Authorities said a number of suspects were apprehended during the raid, including individuals believed to have links with the separatist armed groups (the amba boys) operating in the Southwest and Northwest regions of the country. Investigators are seeking to establish the precise roles played by each suspect in the alleged trafficking of weapons and narcotics. Most importantly investigators hope to map out the syndicate’s internal structure.
According to a senior official of the 21st Motorized Infantry Brigade whose name we were requested to withhold for security purpose, the operation resulted in the seizure of a cache of military-grade weapons, ammunition and sizeable quantities of narcotics, including cannabis, locally known as “mbanga”. He raised concerns on the recent developments ongoing in the country where state-owned firearms come into the hands of armed groups around the country and particularly in the Southwest and Northwest regions. He went on to affirm that this is not the first time such raids have been conducted in the Fako division of the Southwest region but the results show a disturbing trend, with high grade military artillery being seized each time. When asked if this trend can explain the high rates of insecurity, armed robbery, drug abuse, and kidnappings the regions have witnessed the last years, the commander left no doubt to the fact that this must have played a significant role. At the same time he called on the general public to remain calm and vigilant, saying law enforcement is doing everything necessary to put an end to this by working hard to unravel the syndicate which is behind such activities.
The discovery is expected to intensify ongoing investigations into possible supply networks linking criminal elements, separatist fighters and individuals with access to military equipment. Authorities have not disclosed how the weapons were allegedly diverted, saying investigations are continuing.
The owner of Jmauritz Engineering, identified only as one Mr. Orock John, reportedly escaped during the operation. Security forces have since taken control of the company’s premises, which investigators say had been under surveillance for more than a year following intelligence reports of suspicious movements and activities linked to separatist fighters.
An arrest warrant has reportedly been issued for Mr Orock, who investigators believe may hold key information regarding the alleged criminal network. Officials say inquiries are also examining other individuals who may be possible accomplices involved in the trafficking operation. Officials have called on the general public to be on the lookout for Mr. Orock. It is believed that Mr. Orock has been using his company for these illicit transactions. Jmauritz engineering is known to have no permanent workers, making it even difficult for the authorities. At the time of going to press we could gather that Mr. Orock runs the business with his wife, whose name we got as Betty Ngosong. She allegedly serves as the accounting officer of Jmauritz engineering. Unfortunately for the police it appears both of them absconded before or during the raid. The police have therefore placed her on a wanted list, with the hope she can throw more light on the investigations if taken into custody.
The raid forms part of wider security efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and narcotics in the Southwest and Northwest Regions, where the ongoing Anglophone conflict has fuelled the circulation of weapons and strengthened organised criminal networks. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that armed groups increasingly rely on kidnapping for ransom, illegal taxation, extortion, drug trafficking and arms smuggling to finance their activities. The Post was made to understand that the business owner and his wife are wanted for providing a safe haven in illicit drug and firearms and undercover avenue for separatists to carry out their activities. If these allegations are proven they both face a minimum of 30 years prison sentence of even life in prison as the case maybe.
Buea, the regional capital of the Southwest, has witnessed several security operations in recent years targeting suspected weapons caches, drug distribution networks and criminal hideouts. Authorities have also intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at intercepting firearms allegedly stolen from security forces or trafficked across porous borders.
Law enforcement agencies have likewise stepped up campaigns against the consumption and trafficking of narcotics, particularly cannabis and synthetic drugs, amid concerns that substance abuse is contributing to rising youth crime, gang activity and the recruitment of young people into armed groups.
Officials say investigations into this latest operation remain ongoing, and additional arrests have not been ruled out.
By Danjuma Mungfo Bongi