The Nigerian Defence headquarters has described as ‘tactical
maneuver’ the fleeing of some 480 Nigeria soldiers who were
engaged in
battle against Boko Haram to Cameroun on Monday.
The British
Broadcasting Corporation, BBC had earlier on Monday reported that the
soldiers had fled to the Central African country following fierce
confrontation with the insurgents in Gamboru Ngala, a town in Nigeria
border with Cameroun following fierce fighting with the insurgents.
Reports
indicates that the insurgent had added the town to the other
territories of Nigeria under their control after they chase out Nigeria
soldiers from their barrack in the area on Monday morning.
Didier
Badjek, described as a spokesperson for the Camerounian military had
confirmed the story, adding that the soldiers have been disarmed and are
being accommodated in some schools.
But in a post on its website,
Defence headquarters said: “the Nigerian troops that were found 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 maneuver.
“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 have 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,” DHQ said.
Source:PM News
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