German freed in Cameroon

Cameroon national television quoted President Paul Biya on Wednesday as saying that the German was "released" during a special operation staged by Cameroon's army and friendly security services.

President Biya did not give details on the operation, nor on the circumstances in which the German was abducted.

In Berlin German Foreign Office spokesman Martin Schäfer said the freed hostage had been taken to Yaounde, Cameroon's capital.

Briefly interviewed by DW correspondent Moki Kindzeka, the man, identified as Eberhard N., said the release took place in "total darkness" and involved a trek through forest.

"I thought, right up to the last minute, they'll bump me off," he said.

Cross-border incursions

Boko Haram militias have often crossed Nigeria's northeastern border into Cameroon. Last week, Cameroonian forces repelled attacks.

Among those kidnapped by Boko Haram last year were 10 Chinese mineworkers. They were released in October.

Last week, neighboring Chad sent about 2,500 soldiers to help Cameroon fight Boko Haram, which during last year killed thousands of people in northern Nigeria.

Responsibility claimed

On Tuesday, Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau claimed responsibility for mass killings that began on January 3 in Baga, a town near Nigeria's borders with Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

In The Hague, International Criminal Court prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she was examining the raid on Baga, with a view to prosecuting those responsible for crimes against humanity.

ipj/mz (dpa, Reuters, AFP)