Cameroon deploys troops to its border with Nigeria to tackle Boko Haram

Cameroon has deployed about 1,000 troops, and dozens of armoured vehicles to its border with Nigeria, as a way of helping to stem activities of the Boko Haram Islamist sect around north-eastern Nigeria.

According to spokesman of the Cameroonian Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant Colonel Didier Badjeck, the troops "will help to carry out reconnaissance, and be ready to respond with enough fire power."

Nigeria's leaky borders with its neighbouring countries has always been identified as one of its major weaknesses in combating terrorism, as the Boko Haram's foot soldiers have previously launched attacks, only to flee into Cameroon for cover.

The Cameroonian President, Paul Biya was unwilling to get involved in Boko Haram's battle with Nigeria, but he changed his stance during the recent regional security summit in Paris, which was attended by all of Nigeria's neighbours that share the common border.