CALABAR, Nigeria - The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Cameroonian soldiers entered Danare Community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, but assured residents that the situation has been brought under control following military and diplomatic intervention.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the Army said the incident occurred on June 9, 2026, when reports emerged of foreign military personnel operating within Nigerian territory. Troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Danare, responded immediately and established contact with Cameroonian military authorities.
According to the Army, the engagement led to the withdrawal of the Cameroonian troops in line with existing border protocols, preventing further escalation of the situation. The military said normalcy has since returned to the area, while troops continue to monitor activities along the border.
Community Resistance and Rising Tension
Residents of Danare reportedly confronted the foreign soldiers after noticing their presence within the community. Local youths challenged the troops, insisting they had no authority to operate inside Nigerian territory. Reports indicated that the soldiers warned residents against recording their activities.
The development sparked concern among residents, with many describing it as another episode in a series of recurring border-related incidents affecting communities along the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary.
Former Cross River State lawmaker Cletus Obun, who confirmed the incident, said the soldiers were seen near a Catholic Church in Danare, along the route leading to the neighbouring Cameroonian community of Budam. He expressed concern over what he described as repeated incursions into Nigerian territory and urged authorities to strengthen border security.
Dispute Linked to Farmland Levies
Preliminary findings by the Army suggest the incident may have stemmed from a disagreement over the collection of levies on farmland located between Danare in Nigeria and Dadi in Cameroon.
To prevent similar occurrences, the General Officer Commanding the 82 Division has directed the Commander of 13 Brigade to engage with his Cameroonian counterpart. The Army said the meeting is expected to improve border coordination, clarify operational procedures and strengthen cooperation between both countries' security forces.
Calls for Federal Intervention
The incident has also attracted reactions from political leaders in Cross River State.
The member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency, Victor Abang, condemned the unauthorised entry of armed foreign troops into Nigerian territory, describing it as a violation of the country's sovereignty. He warned that repeated border incidents could undermine long-standing relations between Nigeria and Cameroon and disrupt the livelihoods of border communities.
Abang called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Boundary Commission and relevant security agencies to urgently address the persistent boundary disputes affecting communities along the international border.
Meanwhile, Boki Local Government Chairman, Beatrice Nyiam, confirmed receiving reports from residents and said the matter had been escalated to the appropriate authorities. She urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while efforts continue to maintain peace in the area.
The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria's territorial integrity and assured residents that the situation remains calm and under control.
0 Comments