TheCable

Cameroon’s communication minister, Issa Bakary, has expressed surprise at the news that some hostages kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in northern Cameroon have been released.

“You are the first to give me that information,’’ the minister said.

The report alleged that Boko Haram militants released the wife of Amadou Ali, Cameroon’s deputy prime minister, 10 Chinese workers and district heads who were kidnapped in different attacks.

The Chinese workers were found missing and believed to be taken by the insurgents on May 16 after an attack at a Chinese work site in northern Cameroon.

The wife of Amadou Ali was also believed to have been kidnapped on July 27 by Boko Haram but the group did not claim responsibility.

In August, Cameroon president, Paul Biya, strengthened military operations in the far north region to fight against Boko Haram militants.