Nigeria Army vows to protect Danare community against Cameroonian gendarmes

The Nigerian Army has vowed to protect residents of Danare 1 and Danare 2 in the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, where Cameroonian gendarmes invaded four
weeks ago.

The General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Maj Gen Adamu Abubakar, said this on Wednesday while leading a team of operatives to inspect the areas, noting that the army would work with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in the troubled communities.

It had been reported on January 29 that more than 80 Cameroonian gendarmes invaded Danare causing apprehension in the areas. The Cameroonian gendarmes claimed they were fighting Cameroon militants who took refuge in the community.

However, there are more than 5,000 Cameroonian refugees seeking asylum in Danare as a result of the violence in the Southern region of Cameroon.

The army said on Wednesday that the troops were ready to protect Nigerian citizens in the region, urging them to report any suspicion to the authorities.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations and 82 Division’s spokesperson, Col Sagir Musa, said in a release that the army met with the traditional rulers and residents of
the community.

He said, “The General Officer Commanding, Maj Gen Adamu Abubakar, the representatives of the police and the State Security Services visited Danare on Wednesday. The
fact-finding and assessment visit to access the border points between Nigeria and Cameroon where there have been recorded incidences of security infractions from the Cameroonian gendarmes.

“There was also a joint interactive session with the traditional rulers, women leaders and youths of the localities.

The GOC has assured them to remain law-abiding and report any security infraction to the security agencies. He assured the residents of the resolve of the armed forces to protect the citizens.

“The GOC also held a security stakeholders meeting in 245 Reconnaissance Battalion in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State. The meeting is to assess the occasional security threats at the border areas between Nigeria and Cameroon with the view to addressing the situation.”

Source: Punch NewsPaper