By Abasi Ita
There was palpable fear and tension in Danare Community, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, following the reported invasion of the border settlement by more than 200 armed Cameroonian soldiers.
Residents who witnessed the development raised the alarm, describing the incursion as unauthorized and a threat to peace and security in the area.
According to community sources, the heavily armed soldiers crossed into the Nigerian community without prior notice or clearance from Nigerian authorities, creating anxiety among residents and heightening fears over the safety of lives and property.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security of Nigeria’s territorial boundaries, particularly in border communities that share close ties with neighboring Cameroon.
Residents called on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant diplomatic authorities to urgently investigate the reported incursion and take appropriate measures to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Observers warned that repeated unauthorized military movements across the Nigeria Cameroon border could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries and trigger avoidable tensions if not promptly addressed.
They stressed the need for stronger border surveillance and improved cooperation between Nigerian and Cameroonian authorities to prevent future occurrences.
Danare, one of the border communities in Boki Local Government Area, has historically maintained social and economic ties with neighboring Cameroonian settlements. However, residents insist that any foreign military presence within Nigerian territory must comply with established diplomatic and security protocols.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from Nigerian security agencies or the Cameroonian authorities regarding the reported troop movement. Community leaders have urged the government to act swiftly to reassure residents and prevent the situation from escalating.