Cameroonian soldiers who recently entered Danare community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State have withdrawn from the area following the intervention of the Nigerian Army.
The development came days after residents raised concerns over the presence of foreign military personnel in the border community, which reportedly triggered tension among locals.
The soldiers were said to have entered Danare on June 9, claiming the area fell within Cameroonian territory, a move that was resisted by youths in the community who insisted that the settlement remained part of Nigeria.
Confirming the withdrawal on Thursday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said troops of the Nigerian Army swiftly responded after receiving reports of the incursion.
Ayeni said the Nigerian Army contacted appropriate authorities within the Cameroonian Armed Forces, leading to the withdrawal of the foreign troops in line with established border protocols.
He stated, “Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed at the Forward Operating Base Danare, upon receiving reports of foreign military presence, promptly responded and contacted appropriate Cameroonian Armed Forces authority, which led to the withdrawal of Cameroonian troops from Nigerian territory in line with established border protocols.
“Accordingly, the situation was immediately contained without further escalation.”
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a disagreement over the collection of levies on farmlands located between Danare community in Nigeria and Dadi community in Cameroon.
The Army spokesman disclosed that the General Officer Commanding 82 Division had directed the Commander of 13 Brigade to engage his Cameroonian counterpart to strengthen border coordination and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of residents living in border communities.
A former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly who represented the area, Cletus Obun, had earlier condemned the incursion and called on the Federal Government to address what he described as repeated encroachments by Cameroonian forces into Nigerian territory.
Obun lamented that the country’s borders in the area had remained vulnerable for years, allowing frequent disputes and incursions.
Also reacting, Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Beatrice Nyiam, assured residents that the matter was receiving the attention of relevant security and government authorities.