Boko Haram: We"ll defend our territorial integrity by all means - Defence HQTR

The Defence Headquarters said the armed forces will do everything to defend the nation’s sovereignty.

In a statement by Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information said, the armed forces said: “DHQ wishes to reiterate the pledge and commitment it made while briefing the Joint Committee on Defence of the National Assembly to the effect that everything will be done to reverse the situation and defeat the rampaging terrorists.

Nigerian soldiers

“While welcoming all the concerns shown by Nigerians and a section of the international community following the increased menace and activities of terrorists, it is necessary to reassure all that the Nigerian Armed Forces is more than ever determined and committed to the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, regardless of any odd.

“It is not only the pride and reputation of the military that is at stake but that of the entire nation. We therefore urge our citizens not to lose hope or be disenchanted but to remain steadfast and supportive of the military as all steps are being taken to ensure the success of the counter-insurgency operations, especially at this crucial time when our sovereignty is being challenged.

“With this in mind, it is important to reiterate that the Nigerian military is fully conscious of its obligations to the Nigerian state and remains willing and ready to perform its duties with utmost diligence. Therefore, what the military requires at this critical period in the nation’s history is not pillories but continued support from all stakeholders and comity of nations.

“Indeed, this is not the time to despair or shift blames. Rather it calls for concerted effort by all and sundry to stop the agents of darkness who seek to destroy our country and civilization. On its part, the Nigerian military as a fighting force, assures Nigerians once again that this battle will be won.”

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Boko Haram: We"ll defend our territorial integrity by all means - Defence HQTR

Boko Haram: Cameroon orders security agents to hide information from Nigeria

Strong indications have emerged that Nigeria’s neighbour, Cameroon, is not cooperating with the country in the efforts to stop the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and its borders.

Boko haram in Borno

Investigations on Friday revealed that the Cameroonian government had issued a directive to all its military commanders in charge of border areas with Nigeria to keep all critical information about Boko Haram away from Nigeria.

In the directive which was obtained by our correspondent, Cameroon’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Mr. Rene Emmanuel Sadi, reportedly told the commanders to withhold crucial information about the insurgents from Nigeria.

Sadi, had in the letter with Decree no …G/D/MINATD, with the title, ‘Strong Message’ addressed to the Commander, Rapid Intervention Brigade, noted that Cameroon did not want the grave security situation in Nigeria to spill over to the country.

He stated also that information on Nigeria from western countries portrayed Nigeria in a negative manner.

He charged the Cameroonian forces to be vigilant along the border to prevent further spill over of Boko Haram violence into the country.

The minister said the Cameroonian Head of State, Mr. Paul Biya, had charged all the units to ensure that activities of the insurgents were not allowed to get into the country.

The letter read, “As you are aware of the security situation in the country, and the impending turmoil/danger coming from our neighbour, Nigeria, you must keep all important information regarding the Islamic sect under your control without sharing all the information with Nigerians.

“We do not want the situation from our neighbouring country to spill over to our country.

“Information from our Western friends portrays Nigeria negatively.”

A security source further told SUNDAY PUNCH on Friday that only 200 soldiers had been deployed in the areas where the Francophone country said it had deployed 1,000 soldiers to secure its own side of the border.

Further investigations revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff of Cameroun had relocated to the North of the country to keep critical intelligence away from Nigeria.

When contacted, the Director, Public Communication department, Ministry of Foreign affairs, Ahmedu Ogbole-Ode, said he was not aware of that Cameroon was not cooperating with Nigeria in the campaign against terrorism, adding that he did not know that Cameroon had ordered its security personnel not to work with the country.

He said, “I am not aware of the content of the letter, in fact, I’m hearing it from you for the first time. I cannot comment on the level of cooperation between Cameroon and Nigeria unless I get the necessary information from our mission in Yaounde.”

The Cameroonian Mission in Nigeria could not be reached for comments on Friday as calls to the office was not responded to.

When our correspondent contacted the Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, he said the Nigerian military was willing to collaborate with all bodies willing to aid the fight against insurgency in the North-East.

He said, “The Nigerian military is disposed to cooperate with anyone who is an ally in the fight against terrorism within the country, the sub region and anywhere.”

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Boko Haram: Cameroon orders security agents to hide information from Nigeria