YAOUNDE, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Security forces have arrested at least 22 suspected illegal loggers in Cameroon's Far North region as part of a crackdown on deforestation, a government official said on Wednesday.

       The suspects were arrested late Monday in Game, about 50 km from the country's Waza National Park in an operation ordered by government officials in the region, Adamu Ngahet, sub-prefect of Waza sub-division told reporters.

       Security forces seized woods and charcoal in huge quantities during the crackdown.

       "This operation succeeded thanks to collaboration from local population. We will continue to protect our forests and environment at all cost," Ngahet said.

       The suspects will appear before the court of law to answer for their crime, he added.

       Deforestation and fire records have seen unprecedented growth since 2019, especially in areas where agriculture has been expanding into natural areas in Cameroon's Far North region, according to officials.