Two Students Arrested for Carrying Prohibited Items at Bertoua Technical High School

A routine morning search at Bertoua Technical High School in the East region of Cameroon took an unexpected turn when two students were found carrying prohibited items. On November 12, 2026, during the usual search of students' bags at the entrance of the school, surveillance teams discovered a grenade, three rounds of ammunition, and a bladed weapon hidden among the students' books and notebooks.

The school administration immediately alerted law enforcement and took swift action against the students involved. The two students were arrested, suspended pending further investigation, and handed over to the Special Rapid Intervention Teams (Esir) in Bertoua for in-depth judicial inquiries. The students also face the possibility of an extraordinary disciplinary council that could lead to their permanent exclusion from the school.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the school administration, with the school's head, Julien Ngari, expressing his dismay at the incident. Ngari emphasized that the school is a place of learning and development, not a haven for illegal activities or threats to the safety of students and teachers. He assured that the school would not tolerate any actions that compromise the physical integrity of its students and staff.

The authorities are currently investigating the origin of the prohibited items and the motivations behind the students' actions. The incident has raised concerns about school safety and the need for vigilance in educational institutions. The school has since returned to normal, with students, teachers, and parents reassured of their safety.

The incident highlights the challenges faced by schools in maintaining a safe and secure environment for students. The Cameroonian authorities have been working to improve security measures in schools, particularly in the wake of recent incidents. The government has emphasized the need for schools to be safe havens for learning and development.

The students involved in the incident are currently facing judicial proceedings, and their fate will be determined by the outcome of the investigations and potential disciplinary actions. The school administration has made it clear that it will not tolerate any behavior that threatens the safety and well-being of its students and staff.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of school safety and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between school authorities, law enforcement, and the community to prevent such incidents in the future.

Key points

• The students were found carrying a grenade, ammunition, and knives during a routine search at Bertoua Technical High School.
• The students involved were immediately arrested, suspended, and handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.
• The school administration has emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students and staff.