Ndian Division: Elite naval units deepen army-population ties.

The activities formed part of the operational and public service missions assigned to the ‘Force des Fusiliers Marins et des Palmeurs de Combat’, FORFUMAPCO, which oversees the Marine Infantry Battalions and the Combat Divers Company, COPALCO.

It should be noted that for the first time since its implantation in Ekondo-Titi Subdivision, the 21st BAFUMAR organised an open-door event on May 15, 2026, under the theme: “Army and Nation.”

The initiative, it was said, enabled inhabitants of Ekondo Titi and neighbouring localities to discover the day-to-day activities, professionalism and operational capacities of the elite naval force.

The event was organised within the military camp hosting the command post of the battalion. It attracted huge crowds made up of students, traditional authorities, youths and local residents.

Visitors were treated to practical demonstrations including rope climbing, self-defense techniques, binocular handling and weapons manipulation exercises. The public also learned about the missions, training and operational scope of marine infantry soldiers and combat divers.

One of the major attractions of the day was the demonstration by the canine squad of the 21st Intervention and Support Company, CAI. Residents watched in admiration as specially trained military dogs showcased tracking, detection and attack skills during live exercises.

Speaking during the event, the Commander of the 21st BAFUMAR, Corvette Captain Vry Nome, said the initiative was aimed at reminding the population that the military is not only about weapons and combat operations.

“It was important for the population to discover the know-how and professionalism of the Navy operating in this area. We also wanted to reassure schoolchildren and encourage them to continue their education without fear,” he stated.

He explained that the battalion equally contributes to securing schools and protecting administrative authorities within the locality. According to him, the turnout and public reaction exceeded expectations, especially as it was the first open-door event organised by the battalion in the area.

Free health screening offered

A health stand set up during the event also drew significant attention from the population. Free screening tests for HIV/AIDS and malaria were offered to visitors by military health personnel.

Officials disclosed that 108 persons were screened during the exercise, with civilians accounting for nearly half of the beneficiaries.

Aside the development of the open door activities, it was said that the 21st BAFUMAR regularly carries out civil-military actions aimed at improving the living conditions of local communities. 

The battalion provides school supplies including bags, exercise books and pens to nursery and primary schools located around the command post. Outstanding pupils also received special prizes as part of efforts to encourage school attendance and academic excellence.

In order to address the persistent electricity shortage affecting some villages in the locality, the battalion equally supported the installation of solar-powered electrification systems in selected communities.

In the build-up to the May 20 National Day celebrations, the battalion also organised a social cohesion football match opposing civilians of Ekondo Titi to a team made up of defence and security forces. Military officials say such initiatives are helping to consolidate the Army-Nation relationship in the locality.

22nd BAFUMAR boosts sports, security in Mundemba

Meanwhile in neighbouring Mundemba, the 22nd BAFUMAR is equally using sports and community projects to reinforce ties with the population.

The battalion has identified football as one of the strongest unifying factors within the community and regularly organises friendly matches between soldiers and civilians.

Authorities said the initiative has helped strengthen social cohesion and improve collaboration between the military and residents.

The unit has also rehabilitated and equipped orphanages within the locality as part of its social responsibility actions. Beyond football, efforts are underway to diversify sporting opportunities for youths in Mundemba.

The Commander of the 22nd BAFUMAR and officials of the Mundemba Veteran Volleyball Club are currently collaborating on the construction of a volleyball court for the local population. The project, being executed with the involvement of military personnel, is expected to be completed in June 2026.

Military remains combat ready

Despite the social activities, the battalion maintains a high level of operational readiness in this sensitive part of the South-West Region.

As the country prepares for National Day celebrations, the 22nd BAFUMAR has intensified day and night patrols across Mundemba. The patrols cover strategic points including schools, major junctions and sensitive public spaces.

During a recent night reconnaissance patrol conducted on May 14, military personnel moved through areas including the Government Technical High School, Mukangue Junction and other strategic neighbourhoods. The unit says the operations are aimed at maintaining security and reassuring the population.

Though no major security incidents have been recorded in recent months, the battalion continues regular physical and tactical exercises to maintain combat readiness.

Military drills include obstacle crossing in forest terrain, rope climbing, endurance races and hostage rescue simulations conducted under real-life conditions.

Officials say the exercises are intended to familiarise soldiers with the difficult terrain and operational realities of the Ndian area.

The Chief of Staff of the 22nd BAFUMAR, Lieutenant de Vaisseau Kouemou Tiako Gerardin, explained that the forest obstacle courses help troops improve physical endurance, adaptability and intervention capacity.

FORFUMAPCO’s strategic role

The 21st and 22nd BAFUMAR units are part of the wider Force des Fusiliers Marins et des Palmeurs de Combat, FORFUMAPCO, one of the specialised components of the Cameroon Navy.

Apart from the Combat Divers Company, COPALCO, the force is made up of eight Marine Infantry Battalions deployed across the national territory. Each battalion comprises a Command and Support Company, three combat companies and an Intervention and Support Company with varied operational specialties.

Their missions include maritime surveillance, protection of sensitive installations along the coast, monitoring of rivers and lakes, and support operations for other defence forces engaged in difficult zones.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3794 of Thursday May 21, 2026