Army Restores Calm After Cameroonian Troops Enter Cross River Community

The Nigerian Army says normalcy has been restored in Danare community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, following an unauthorised incursion by Cameroonian troops into the area.

 

The army said the incident occurred on Tuesday but was swiftly contained by Nigerian troops deployed to the border community, preventing any escalation.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said personnel at the Forward Operating Base, Danare, responded immediately after receiving reports of the presence of Cameroonian soldiers within Nigerian territory.

 

According to him, Nigerian military authorities promptly contacted their Cameroonian counterparts, leading to the withdrawal of the foreign troops in line with established border protocols.

 

Ayeni explained that preliminary investigations indicated that the incident arose from a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland located between Danare community in Nigeria and Dadi community in Cameroon.

 

“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,” the statement said.

 

The army noted that the planned meeting is aimed at strengthening border coordination, clarifying operational procedures and preventing similar incidents in the future.

 

Ayeni reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to protecting the country’s territorial integrity and safeguarding communities along the border.

 

He assured residents that peace has returned to Danare and neighbouring communities, adding that troops remain on alert and continue to monitor activities along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

 

The army also urged residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.