They were arrested by the defence forces December 14 while they were preparing to pluck dozens of passengers.

"Seven fearsome bandits, commonly referred to in French as coupeurs de routes, have been captured December 14." The prefect of the Kadey, Emmanuel Halpha hailed the prowess of the elements of the Gendarmerie and of the battalion of motorized infantry (BIM) who led the joint operation in the early hours of December 14.

The Group of thugs, individuals in total, ten visibly armed, laid an ambush on passengers travelling in the District of Mbotoro, capital Okonji, border town with the Central African Republic (CAR), located more than 110 km from Batouri and at more than 200 km from Bertoua, the capital of the East region.

"While all passengers were asked to get off the vehicle, the defence forces, stationed in this border town were alerted. Their prompt response helped abort the operation."

It should be noted that the sub-prefect of Ouli, Boubar Bondo, who recently escaped abduction went down to the area to cheer the traumatized passengers. Then, he informed the prefect of the Kadey of the situation.

"Security features are reinforced in the border communities with the CAR on the eve of the end of year holiday", the prefect of the Kadey indicated. In any case, local authorities and defence forces, are on and rely on the collaboration of the people, to block the road to insecurity.