'The Nigerian Soldiers Found in Cameroun Retreated and Did Not Desert'- DHQ

           

                 

Defence headquarters in response to reports that about 480 Nigerian soldiers fled to Cameroun, deserting the counter terrorism battle in the north east, said the troops crossed the border in a tactical maneuver.
A statement on the DHQ blog site titled: "Big story: the Nigerian soldiers found in Cameroun," 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."

The DHQ added that: "Eventually they found themselves on Cameroonian 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."

The military authorities further said: "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 DHQ noted that: "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."

The statement also said 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.