Senator Regina Mundi has been released by defence and security services after nearly a month in captivity, according to the Ministry of Defence.
She was liberated following an operation carried out by military and security personnel from May 29-30 in the community of Ashong, Batibo, Momo Division, North West Region of Cameroon, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence spokesperson, Cyrille Serge Atongfack Guemo.
On Sunday, May 29, a group of defense and security personnel was despatched to Batibo, where they began the operation but were faced with fierce opposition from “heavily armed terrorists” who opened fire on them, according to Atongfack Guemo.
During the violent exchange of fire, he added, some members of the armed group attempted to flee with numerous captives.
Senator Elisabeth Regina Mundi and several other hostages were eventually released, while dozens of ‘terrorists’ were neutralized, three detained, and others were hurt and escaped into the bushes.
As the operation came to a close late Monday night, several firearms and ammunition, as well as the senator’s vehicle, were seized.
Senator Elisabeth Regina Mundi of the ruling CPDM party was kidnapped together with her driver in Bamenda by armed Ambazonia separatist fighters on April 30.
Days later, video of the Senator in captivity surfaced, with her kidnappers demanding the release of separatist leaders by May 20 or she would be killed.
Several appeals for her release went out across the board before Cameroon’s defense and security officials swooped in late night.
