Nigerian Army has confirmed that an unauthorised entry by personnel of the Cameroonian Armed Forces into Danare Community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State has been contained following prompt military intervention and diplomatic engagement.

The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Danare immediately responded after receiving reports of the foreign military presence and contacted the appropriate Cameroonian military authorities, leading to the withdrawal of the troops from Nigerian territory in line with established border protocols.

According to the Army, preliminary investigations indicate that the incident, was triggered by a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland situated between Danare Community in Nigeria and Dadi Community in Cameroon.

“The situation was immediately contained without further escalation,” the statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, stated.

The Army further disclosed that the General Officer Commanding 82 Division has directed the Commander of 13 Brigade to engage his Cameroonian counterpart as part of confidence-building measures aimed at strengthening border coordination, clarifying operational procedures and preventing similar incidents.

It reassured residents of Danare and neighbouring communities that the area remains calm and secure, adding that troops have continued to monitor activities along the border.

The development followed reports that circulated on social media alleging that more than 200 Cameroonian military personnel had entered the border community, causing panic among residents and raising concerns over Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

The Army urged members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary tension as efforts continue to strengthen security coordination along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Boki Local Government Area, Hon. Beatrice Etta Nyiam, said her administration had escalated the matter to relevant security and government authorities for immediate attention.

In a statement issued through her Chief Press Secretary, Kumini Sheriff Otu-Oshibu, the council chairman urged residents to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tension, while reaffirming her administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property and the territorial integrity of communities within the local government area.

She also assured residents that the council would continue to work closely with security agencies and other relevant authorities to ensure that concerns raised by the community are thoroughly addressed and lasting peace maintained along the border. (Tribune News)