By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
The 82 Division, Nigerian Army, with headquarters in Enugu, has moved to defuse tension following the incursion of Camerounian soldiers into a community in South-South Nigeria, a potentially provocative act capable of sparking crisis.
On 9 June, troops of the neighbouring Francophone country crossed into Danare community, Boki Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State over a farmland levy dispute between border settlements of both nations.
In a statement today in Enugu, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, disclosed that the situation was immediately contained without further escalation.
According to Ayeni, the Division has noted concerns arising from the unauthorised entry of personnel of the Camerounian Armed Forces into Danare.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed at the Forward Operating Base Danare, upon receiving reports of foreign military presence, promptly responded and contacted appropriate Camerounian Armed Forces authority.
“This led to the withdrawal of Camerounian troops from Nigerian territory in line with established border protocols.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was triggered by a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland located between Danare Community (Nigeria) and Dadi Community (Cameroun),” he stated.
Lt. Col. Ayeni noted that in furtherance of existing diplomatic and military cooperation as well as a confidence‑building measure, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, directed the Commander, 13 Brigade, Calabar, the Cross River State, to visit his Camerounian counterpart for further engagement on the situation.
The spokesman said that the measure was designed to strengthen border coordination, clarify operating procedures along the boundary, and prevent future occurrences.
The Division, Ayeni stated, remained committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the security of all communities along the nation’s borders in its Area of Responsibility (AoR).
Ayeni stated: “Residents of Danare and adjoining areas are reassured that the situation is calm and fully under control.
“Troops remain vigilant and will continue to monitor border activities.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary tension.”
