Over 100 militants of the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram were killed over the past weekend by the Cameroonian army in northern Cameroon, the country's Communication Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said on Tuesday.
"On Saturday at about 1 p.m (local time), two explosive shells were thrown by Boko Haram fighters at Fotokol in the Cameroonian territory near the Nigerian border. There were no casualties on the Cameroonian side," the minister's statement indicated.
Our security forces vigorously responded to the attack by Boko Haram fighters. It is estimated that over 100 of the assailants were killed, the statement added.
The minister hailed the "strong response to the attack by the country's army," noting that it forced Boko Haram fighters to move 7 km further into the Nigerian territory.
"I want to applaud our defense and security forces who, once more, have demonstrated their professionalism, their bravery, their commitment and their determination to preserve our territorial integrity, protect our population and their goods as well as all those living within our borders," the minister added.
Nigeria and Cameroon share a common border of about 2,000 kilometers. Cameroon has come under repeated attacks from Boko Haram, especially since the abduction of a French national in the Extreme-Northern parts of the country in February 2013.