Nigerian Army restores calm after Cameroonian troops' border incursion

The Nigerian Army announced on Thursday that it has successfully de-escalated tensions in the Danare community, Cross River State, after Cameroonian soldiers made an unauthorized incursion into Nigerian territory. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, was swiftly managed by Nigerian troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base, Danare, preventing any further escalation.

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In furtherance of existing diplomatic and military cooperation, as well as confidence‑building measures, the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, has directed the Commander, 13 Brigade, to visit his Cameroonian counterpart for further engagement on the situation.

According to Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Nigerian troops responded immediately upon receiving reports of the Cameroonian soldiers' presence. Contact was made with the relevant Cameroonian military authorities, leading to the withdrawal of the foreign troops in accordance with established border protocols.

Preliminary investigations suggest the incursion stemmed from a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland situated along the Nigeria-Cameroon border, specifically between Danare in Nigeria and Dadi in Cameroon. To address this and bolster future cooperation, the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division has directed the Commander of the 13 Brigade to engage with his Cameroonian counterpart.

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The planned engagement would strengthen border coordination, clarify operational procedures along the boundary and prevent a recurrence.

This planned engagement aims to enhance border coordination, clarify operational procedures, and prevent similar incidents. The army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of communities within its area of responsibility. Residents of Danare and surrounding areas have been assured that normalcy has returned, and they are urged to remain calm and carry on with their daily activities while avoiding the spread of unverified information.

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Normalcy has returned to Danare and neighbouring communities, adding that troops remained vigilant and continued to monitor activities along the border.