By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Nigerian Army authorities have directed the Commander of the 13 Brigade, Calabar, to immediately engage his Cameroonian counterpart following the recent incursion of Cameroonian soldiers into Danare community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The directive comes after armed Cameroonian troops entered the border community on Wednesday, triggering tension as local youths resisted the incursion. The confrontation reportedly led to sporadic gunfire by the foreign soldiers before they eventually withdrew.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, the Army said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division ordered the engagement as part of efforts to strengthen border coordination and prevent a recurrence.
“The Division noted concerns arising from the unauthorised entry of personnel of the Cameroonian Armed Forces,” Ayeni stated.
He explained that, in line with existing diplomatic and military cooperation arrangements, the GOC directed the 13 Brigade Commander to meet with his Cameroonian counterpart to clarify operational procedures along the border and reinforce confidence-building measures between both countries.
According to the Army, troops responded promptly after receiving reports of the foreign military presence and immediately contacted relevant Cameroonian authorities, leading to the withdrawal of the soldiers from Nigerian territory without further escalation.
Ayeni disclosed that preliminary findings indicated that the incident was linked to a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland situated between Danare community in Nigeria and Dadi community in Cameroon.
The Army assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and that troops remained on alert to monitor activities along the border. It reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting communities within its area of responsibility.
Residents of Danare and neighbouring communities were urged to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and avoid spreading unverified information capable of heightening tensions.
The latest incident revives concerns over recurring cross-border security challenges in Cross River.
In 2013, Cameroonian troops reportedly entered Basua community while pursuing separatist fighters, prompting the Nigerian Army to establish a Forward Operating Base in the area.
In 2025, armed Ambazonian rebels occupied Belegete community in Obanliku Local Government Area for about two weeks, killing the community head, burning houses and hoisting their flag before being dislodged.
