The lawmaker representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Victor Abang, has strongly condemned the invasion of Danare Community in Cross River State by armed Cameroonian soldiers. He described the action as a direct affront to Nigeria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Incident Details
Abang's reaction followed Wednesday's incursion into the border community located in Boki Local Government Area, an incident that reportedly triggered anxiety among residents. The federal legislator expressed concern over the recurring nature of such border incidents, warning that they pose serious security risks to affected communities and the nation at large.
He maintained that the unauthorized entry of foreign troops into Nigerian territory was unacceptable and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. According to him, beyond the security implications, the development threatens the cordial relationship that has existed between Nigeria and Cameroon for decades and could negatively affect the livelihoods of residents who rely on peaceful cross-border activities.
Army Response
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's territorial integrity and ensuring the security of all communities along the nation's borders in its Area of Operations. It reassured residents of Danare and adjoining areas that the situation is calm and fully under control as troops remain vigilant and continue to monitor border activities. The Army therefore urged members of the public to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary tension.
Lawmaker's Call for Action
Abang commended the people of Danare for remaining calm despite the tension generated by the incident, noting that their restraint helped to avert a possible escalation of the situation. He called on the Federal Government to take immediate diplomatic steps to engage Cameroonian authorities and address the persistent boundary disputes affecting communities along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
The lawmaker stressed that lasting peace in the area can only be achieved through a comprehensive resolution of all outstanding border issues, adding that failure to act decisively could lead to more serious consequences in the future. He further urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Boundary Commission, and relevant security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the latest incursion and strengthen measures aimed at protecting Nigerian border communities.
Abang also reassured residents of Boki and the entire Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency of his continued commitment to their security and welfare, pledging to pursue the matter with the appropriate authorities. He emphasized that Nigeria's territorial integrity remains inviolable and called for urgent action to ensure the safety of citizens living in border communities.
Military Coordination
Meanwhile, the 82 Division Nigerian Army, which confirmed the incident, has said that it is on top of the situation. A statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, made available to journalists in Calabar stated that upon receiving reports of foreign military presence, it promptly deployed troops at the Forward Operating Base, Danare, and also 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 the statement, 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 (Cameroon). It said that, in furtherance of existing diplomatic and military cooperation and as a confidence-building measure, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division has directed the Commander 13 Brigade to visit his Cameroonian counterpart for further engagement on the situation. This is designed to strengthen border coordination, clarify operating procedures along the boundary, and prevent future occurrences.
