About 480 Nigerian soldiers have fled into Cameroon following fierce fighting with Boko Haram insurgents.
The Cameroonian Army Spokesman, Lt Col Didier Badjek, who confirmed this, said the troops had already been disarmed.
But the Director of Defence Information, Maj. -Gen Chris Olukolade, said the soldiers merely strayed into Cameroon and therefore were not “deserters.”
Badjek told the British Broadcasting Corporation on Monday that the disarmed Nigerian soldiers were being accommodated in schools in Maroua, about 80 kilometres from the Nigerian border.
The BBC which added that there were clashes in the border town of Gamboru Ngala, said that thousands of civilians also fled to Cameroon.
Our correspondent in Maiduguri gathered that Boko Haram insurgents had at about 5.15am on Monday invaded Gamboru, forcing both civilians and soldiers to flee to Cameroon.
One of the residents who called from Cameroon, said the insurgents went straight to attack the military base and police station in the town.
He said an initial attack was repelled by the military which killed many of the insurgents.
The resident added that about two hours later, the insurgents regrouped and launched a fresh attack on the troops.
He said. “They engaged the military and caused them to retreat into Cameroon. It was most likely that the Nigerian soldiers ran out ammunition.
“But some soldiers later emerged with their Cameroonian counterparts and continued the battle with the insurgents.
“As I am speaking to you now (4pm on Monday), we are still hearing sound of gunshot miles away, meaning they are still engaging themselves.”
An elderly woman who did not want her name in print, told journalists on the telephone from her temporary abode in Cameroon, that she fled “ when the shooting became intense in parts of the town.’’
She said that she saw many corpses while fleeing to Cameroon.
But in Abuja, Olukolade told one of our correspondents that the 480 soldiers strayed into Cameroon while in pursuit of the insurgents.
He said the soldiers were on their way back to the country and would soon be reunited with their units in the North-East.
The army spokesman stated further that it was the standard practice for soldiers who strayed into a foreign but friendly country to be disarmed.
He explained that the soldiers were not expected to react because there was no hostility involved in the issue.
Olukolade also denied the claim by the insurgents that they had taken control of Gamboru Ngala, stressing that security operatives were still confronting them in the town.
He said, “In the pursuit of the insurgents, some of our soldiers strayed into Cameroun. The military authorities are in touch with the Cameroonian authorities and the soldiers are on their way back and would soon be united with their units in the country.
“These are normal procedures; when an Army enters a country and are not on a hostile mission; normally, they won’t fight back.
“All that has been sorted out to the best of my knowledge.
“As for Gamboru Ngala, I can tell you that the operation is still going on as we are speaking.”
The DHQ later issued a statement in which it again explained the presence of Nigerian soldiers in Cameroon.
The statement on its official website, defenceinfo.mil.ng, stated that the troops had to submit their weapons to the Camerounian authorities to show that they were not on any offensive mission.
It added that it was wrong to describe the presence of the soldiers in Cameroun as defection in view of discussions between the military leaderships of two countries and contacts made with the soldiers about their safety.
The statement read, “The presence of the Nigerian troops in Cameroun was as a result of a sustained battle between the troops and the terrorists around the borders with Cameroun which saw the Nigerian troops charging through the borders in a tactical manoeuvre.
“Eventually, they found themselves on Camerounian soil. Being allies, the normal protocol of managing such incident demanded that the troops submit their weapons in order to assure the friendly country that they were not on a hostile mission.
“Following necessary discussions between Nigerian and Camerounian military authorities, the issues had been sorted out. Subsequently, the troops are on their way back to join their unit in Nigeria.
“The reference to the incidence as a defection is therefore not appropriate considering the discussion between the two countries’ military leadership and the series of contacts with the soldiers who have confirmed that they are safe.
“Meanwhile, troops are repelling a group of terrorists who are trying to enter the country through Gamborou Ngala. A group of them who fizzled into the town are being pursued.”
Boko Haram had on Sunday released a video in which it said it had established an Islamic state in the towns and villages it controls in the North-East.
Last week, a group of 40 soldiers allegedly refused to follow orders to go and fight the insurgents, saying the militants were better equipped.
Insurgents also seized one of Nigeria’s two main riot police training academies, which is near Gwoza, a town they claimed to have captured earlier this month.
Less than two weeks ago, the wives of some soldiers had protested at the Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri against their husbands being sent to the Boko Haram militants.
In May, some soldiers opened fire on their commander, Maj-Gen Ahmed Mohammed, at Maiduguri’s Maimalari barracks, blaming him for the killing of their colleagues by Boko Haram fighters.
We’ll defend Nigeria –FG
The Federal Government has however said it is prepared to defend Nigeria even to the last citizen in the country.
It said no group would succeed in dividing the country and noted that it had confidence in the Nigerian Army despite threats by Boko Haram.
The Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television, said adventurers that were contending with Nigeria’s destiny would not succeed. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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If we get correct news, is this the appropriate time for the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces to go on a private visit to Germany?
ReplyDeleteShut up!
DeleteNigerians should rally round and vote this present PDP Government out of Power. The government seem not to be serious in the crusade against these evil that is ravaging the country. Why would they be playing politics with every little thing in this country in the name of remaining in power. Are they waiting for when every Nigerian had been kidnapped, then they start arming the Arm properly. My question is If Nigeria were to be a Private/Public Limited Liability Company, will GEJ be running the company this way, of course no, He would have been sacked. Please Nigerians should rise up against this evil regime and push them out. Someone whose country is on fire never goes chasing after rat. It is either this Government come out and face this problem squarely or they hand over to who will deliver on this task. Enough of these pranks and story telling. Please Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan, sit down and do this job. You can do it but seems like you have not told yourself you can do it.
ReplyDeleteTrue story. The Nigerian soldiers pursuing the insurgents found themselves in Cameroon while the insurgents remained in Nigeria. This is a stupid and very dumb explanation. If soldiers have to run out of ammunition in battle without reinforcements and without air cover from the airforce inspite of our Hugh defence budgets, the service chiefs need to resign in ignominy
ReplyDeleteThis goverment has completely failed.
ReplyDeleteA couple of questions arise here.
ReplyDelete1. Are we asked to believe that Boko Haram respect the border and did not cross? Not likely.
2. How come Cameroon soldiers came into Nigeria armed and unchallenged in pursuit of terrorists.
3. What nonsense demands that soldiers in combat situation be disarmed
4. How can this threat be challenged if there is no cooperation between the armies of both countries including operating on each others territory with joint units.
The official store here reeks of cover up
Shameful, I never believed I would see this in my generation - insurgency getting out of control that the country's forces could not contain. How low can the military get? The issue now is not that our forces ran away from the insurgents but this unfortunate lies and propaganda that they want us to believe - For God sake, how can they military pursuing insurgents enter into Cameroonian border while the insurgents they are pursuing still remain in Nigeria controlling some towns? Then the next explanation is tactical maneuver, Haba Nigerian Army. Is it better you tell us the truth that you are not capable so that those staying within the region under the assumption that the military can protect them run for their dear lives before boko haram catches up with them. With all your lies and insincerity, how do you expect us to believe you?
ReplyDeleteAt least Shekau had shown us their evidence and we saw our forces fleeing from them and we could even see the armour tanks and patrol vans in defense colors that they seized from our soldiers which they are now using it to attack Nigerian citizens with whose taxes these tanks where purchased. This is the lowest for any countries' forces and so unbelievable that this is happening in Nigeria. I weep for my country... SO HELP US GOD!
From t
Chai Nigerian Army diaris God oo. Chris Olukode it is high time we start saying d truth to ourselves. Hw can u b defending d fraility in d military in combating d militant, 480 disarmed soldiers have to take refuge in cameroun for safety and u call it TACTICAL MANOEUVRE, it is shameful. BH are now on top gear establishing base in Borno, when r we going to stop overpoliticizing d saga and employ a fire brigade approach.
ReplyDeleteGod has helped us but we have betrayed ourselves with high level of corruption.dishonesty,insincerity and all bad behaviours.We have plenty churches and mosques but no reflection of this in our society.We have all put our eye on money.Now see where it has landed us.Our soldiers could go to liberia and sudan to make peace but they can not protect their our country.Instaed they are running away from he battle.For many years now they were only in the barack doing nothing but when it time for them now to do the work,they are running away.We civilian are then not save.How can these type of army fight against external agression?It is a bad signal to the outside world.Boko haram is seizing your fighting equipment and using it to fight u back,but the country spent huge amount of money to train you.Now u can not exhibit your expertise as a combatant solder.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteGEJ is incompetent. I'v tot of dis wen I heard dat B'haram had captured Gwoza wher military Police ar trained. Cos I servd arnd dere in Bama 08. Dis is nt abt politic, GEJ suposes 2 hav stepped down. Abi he no dey shame
Our President Went on a Private trip to Germany. He is a great President. 2015 Please com very fast.
ReplyDeleteSo we will send this selfish Govt. Out of seat before terror over takes all of us.
I don't think there is anything wrong if one run out of ammunition and choose to run away. This is because He who fights and run away, lives to fight again. If they allow themselves to get killed, who will fight for us tomorrow? It takes fortune to properly train an officer. So i advise that if you run out of ammunition during warfare, please take cover so you can get properly equipped to fight again later.
ReplyDeleteThis means we are all dead in Nigeria, our country can't protect us again, how the mighty fallen Nigeria Army, what has gone wrong
ReplyDeletei am afraid for this contry, because if boko haram is not checked now, we may find ourselves in the same shoes iraqi kurdish find themselves now by hiding in the moutains in the wale of Isis brutal attack
ReplyDeleteMay God not Allow Boko Haram pursue us all to flee to Republic of Benin and Ghana
The earlier we seek for external military support the better rather than manifesting strong head that does not get the problem solved. The truth is you cant give what you don't have. May God help us.
ReplyDeleteFor God sake, how can the military pursuing insurgents enter into Cameroonian border while the insurgents they are pursuing still remain in Nigeria controlling some towns? , Haba Nigerian Army
ReplyDeleteWe love lies in this country. It's only the truth that can set us free. We will remain in bondage until we start telling the truth.
ReplyDeleteThe Nigerian Army pursued the terrorists into cameroon, the terrorists (Boko Haram) disappeared into thin air leaving only the Nigerian Army in the hands of the cameroonian soldiers. Na Waoo.
We love lies in this country. It's only the truth that can set us free. We will remain in bondage until we start telling the truth.
ReplyDeleteThe Nigerian Army pursued the terrorists into cameroon, the terrorists (Boko Haram) disappeared into thin air leaving only the Nigerian Army in the hands of the cameroonian soldiers. Na Waoo.
Evrybody saying wat he/she want to bcos God has given us mouth to talk, so Jona should pick a gun and go to Borno himself and fight or wat are u saying? u have 4goten about the socalled reteired northern generals dat making his government ungoverble for him? pls leave jona alone and face ur problem jare.
ReplyDeleteshameful excuses for incompetency. The truth remains that GEJ and his crew lack the millitary capacity to handle BH.
ReplyDeleteIts high time the southern and northern leaders stop playin politics with precious Precious lives of those victims
GOD WILL HELP OUR SOLDIERS.
ReplyDelete