The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has defused tension over the Cameroonian armed forces’ incursion into Danare Community in the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State on June 9.
In a statement on Thursday in Enugu, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army, said that the situation was immediately contained without further escalation.
According to Ayeni, the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has noted concerns arising from the unauthorised entry of personnel of the Cameroonian Armed Forces into Danare Community in Boki Local Government Area.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed at the Forward Operating Base Danare, upon receiving reports of foreign military presence, promptly responded and contacted the appropriate Cameroonian Armed Forces authority.
“This led to the withdrawal of Cameroonian 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 (Cameroon),” he said.
He noted that in furtherance of existing diplomatic, military cooperation and confidence‑building measures, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division had directed the Commander 13 Brigade to visit his Cameroonian counterpart for further engagement on the situation.
The spokesman said that the measure was designed to strengthen border coordination and clarify operating procedures along the boundary, and prevent future occurrences. He noted that the Division remained committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the security of all communities along the nation’s borders in its Area of Operations (AoR).
Ayeni said, “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.”
