Nigeria rejects Cameroon’s plea for Biya’s rival extradition, places him under protection

Cameroonian opposition politician Issa Tchiroma Bakary is being held under the supervision of Nigerian security personnel in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, according to a report by the BBC.

This development follows Nigeria’s refusal to grant a request from Cameroonian officials seeking his return.
Although a source had earlier informed Daily Trust on Wednesday, November 5, that Tchiroma had already been moved to Abuja, the paper could not confirm whether he remained there as of Wednesday night.

Efforts to get clarification from Sherrif Akinlabi, spokesperson of the Nigeria Immigration Service, were unsuccessful as inquiries sent to his mobile line went unanswered.

Tchiroma, who challenged President Paul Biya’s re-election in the October presidential poll, insists he won the contest with 54.8% of the vote, ahead of Biya’s 53.7%.

He was seized from his Marouare home in Garoua between the night of October 28 and 29.

Reports indicate that a unit of Cameroonian special security agents attempted to “abduct” the former presidential contender on November 2, allegedly with backing from some Nigerian security operatives.

Cameroon’s security services reportedly alerted their Nigerian counterparts, claiming Tchiroma was “a dangerous criminal”.

With concerns about potential raids and the risk of escalation, Nigerian operatives eventually escorted him across the border into Nigeria within hours.

On October 31, a post on the candidate’s “Tchiroma 2025” Facebook page read: “I thank the loyalist army, which has shown its patriotism by escorting me to a safe location and is currently ensuring my protection.”

There had been earlier signs of attempts to place him in custody. On the morning of October 29, gendarmes stormed his residence.

His security guards and sentries around neighbouring homes confirmed hearing gunfire around the property that morning.

The raid occurred a day after Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, declared at a Yaoundé press briefing that Tchiroma would face consequences for provoking “post-election violence”.

Atanga Nji repeatedly argued that Tchiroma violated the law by proclaiming himself the winner of the election, stressing that only the Constitutional Council can announce results.

Tchiroma had called on his supporters to take to the streets once the official results were released.

Cameroun Actuel reported increased military presence around Marouare, Tchiroma’s neighbourhood, with up to six soldiers stationed at various points, though their intent was unclear.

Security forces were also said to have mounted checkpoints roughly fifty metres from his home—seen by many as a move to limit his movement.

This was not the first instance of concern for his safety. On election day, security agents halted the vehicle transporting him, but supporters intervened, fearing he might be harmed.

President Paul Biya had previously warned that strong measures would be taken against anyone responsible for post-election disorder, stressing that Cameroon could not afford instability.

“Cameroon cannot afford a post-election crisis with potentially devastating consequences, as witnessed elsewhere,” Biya wrote on his X account on November 13.

The next day, he added: “It is my responsibility to ensure that order is maintained. I can assure you that order will prevail. Cameroon will keep forging ahead.”

His statements were widely interpreted as a reaction to Tchiroma’s insistence that he won the election.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Rene Claude Meka, has extended post-election security operations until December 10, citing fears of unrest.

Paul Biya — the world’s longest-serving elected head of state — has since taken the oath of office for an eighth term.