Moungo Division: 17 youngsters rescued from human trafficking network.

It led to the rescue of 17 young Cameroonians who were allegedly being prepared for illegal trafficking to Malaysia.

According to security sources, the operation followed investigations launched by the Commander of the Bwélélo Gendarmerie Brigade, Chief Warrant Officer Samuel Bouazoc, after Reverend Movuh Derick of Gospel Centre Church in Babenga presented himself at the brigade in the company of two young victims who had reportedly escaped from the traffickers’ hideout in Yapaki, Dibombari.

Preliminary investigations revealed what security officers have described as “a well-organised trafficking syndicate” that allegedly used fake online recruitment advertisements to lure desperate young Cameroonians seeking employment opportunities abroad.

Investigators disclosed that the suspects reportedly convinced victims with promises of lucrative jobs overseas, before demanding huge sums of money to facilitate their departure.

With support from the Mbanga Gendarmerie Company and the Mbanga Investigation Brigade, security forces later arrested four suspected members of the network, identified as; Effim Leonel, 30 years old, Mbi Betty, 26, Ako Boris, 28, and Nafissatou Berinyuy, 25 years old. 

The security operation also resulted in the rescue of 17 young Cameroonians believed to have been awaiting trafficking to Malaysia.

Some of the rescued victims were identified as Yong Shela Ketfi, Monyue Metouke Cécile, Bongnkum Zeabu, Ewoh Ngasi Rash, Kupuken Pamela, Fru Elvira Kien, Nshanse Peace Bonsen and Ewang Josiane, aged 18. 

Investigators further disclosed that each victim allegedly paid an average sum of 550,000 FCFA to the traffickers in the hope of securing jobs and better living conditions abroad.

It should be noted that the latest operation once more exposes the growing menace of fake online recruitment schemes and human trafficking networks preying on the vulnerability of youths across the country.

Authorities have urged the public, especially young job seekers, to exercise vigilance and verify employment offers circulated on social media and other digital platforms before making any financial commitment.

Meanwhile, investigations are said to still be ongoing to identify other possible accomplices and completely dismantle the criminal network.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3793 of Tuesday May 19, 2026