The National Gendarmerie has reported the detention of several individuals known as "microbes" in Yaoundé. These young criminals typically work in gangs and attack people using knives.

According to a Facebook post by the National Gendarmerie, a total of 15 individuals were arrested on the nights of April 21 and 22, 2023 in the neighborhoods of Ekounou, Melen, and Mvog-Mbi in Yaoundé. The arrests were made during an operation carried out by the judicial research service of the first region of the gendarmerie in response to multiple reports of knife assaults.

The suspects, most of whom are ex-convicts, were arrested in possession of knives, machetes, and razor blades, we learn. Two motorcycles, as well as several appliances and a "large quantity of cocaine" were also discovered. All were brought before the court of first instance (TPI) of Ekounou. The gendarmerie says investigations are continuing to find the rest of the gang.

To put an end to this phenomenon, which is on the rise in Yaoundé and across other cities in the country, the gendarmerie is multiplying targeted operations and surprise raids in sensitive and hot neighborhoods.

These operations generally result in the arrest of several young alleged criminals. In March, the gendarmes dismantled a gang of eight "microbes," according to reports relayed by CRTV. The Minister of Defense, Joseph Beti Assomo, assures that "swift measures" are already being implemented by the police and gendarmerie to "stem this new form of banditry."

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