Tension At Nigerian Border Communities After Cameroon’s Encroachment - Newstrends
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Tension At Nigerian Border Communities After Cameroon’s Encroachment

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4 years ago

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Surveyors working in some of the areas approved by CNMC

Dispute arising from implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Hague judgment on boundary dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon is leading to a state of uncertainty for the Nigerian border population.   

Following the October 2010  judgment, which ceded some Nigerian territories to Cameroon, the United Nations Secretary General established the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) in November 2002 at the request of President Paul Biya of Cameroon and his Nigerian counterpart, Olusegun Obasanjo, to implement the judgement.

The special representative of the Secretary General in West Africa and Sahel serves as the chairman of the body created to facilitate implementation of the judgment.    

The commission’s mandate includes demarcation of the land boundary and delimitation of the maritime boundary between the two neighbouring countries, withdrawal of troops and transfer of authority in the Lake Chad area and in the Bakassi Peninsula, addressing the situation of populations affected by the demarcation activities as well as making recommendations on confidence-building measures to promote peaceful coexistence and cross-border cooperation.   

The Security Council  on  August 15, 2013, celebrated the successful implementation of the Greentree Agreement on the settlement of the dispute over Bakassi and the achievement of the CNMC’s mediation effort.

Recent development in Kwaja, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon, however, showed that the dispute may not be over in some areas and CNMC needs to address the situation.     

Tension rose in the villages after a contractor handling the border demarcation project erected border signs several kilometres into the Nigerian territory.

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This led to a protest on February 14 where hundreds of angry men carrying placards that read, “Maintain ICJ position, we agreed to the 1932 Thompson Marchand Declaration” thronged the streets asking for help from the Nigerian authorities against what they called, “external invasion’’.   

The protesters who are residents of border villages in Adamawa State rejected  attempts by Cameroon authorities to take over some villages after surveyors escorted by Cameroonian soldiers erected new border signs in Kwaja, Kinga, Jugruma, Fajawa and Girziya.   

Altercation between protesting residents who halted the suspicious  exercise and the foreign troops nearly degenerated into a bloody clash when the Francophone soldiers threatened to open fire on the unyielding anglophone civilians. 

Locals said they had been in this state of uncertainty since 2016 when they became suspicious of the neighbouring country’s activities along the international border.  

They, however, attributed the problem to Cameroon’s taking advantage of the CNMC to overstep its boundary as well as laxity on the part of Nigerian authorities to protect its boundary.   

Some of the residents interviewed said they were shocked because  Kwaja had never been part of Cameroon, adding that they preferred being in Nigeria. They said even some Cameroonian businessmen did not want the area to become part of Cameroon because of the low tax they enjoyed when they did business in Nigeria.   

Spokesman of the community, Dr Ibrahim Kwaja, told our reporter that the whole area was shocked when news filtered that Cameroonians were marking the villages as part of their territory, saying the intrusion stirred discontent in the affected towns and villages.   

He said the community had written a letter to the federal government and the Cameroon/Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) seeking protection of their rights and interests, stressing that Kwaja and the surrounding areas have been part of northern protectorate since the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914. 

“The letter agrees with the Thompson Marchand declaration which the International Court of Justice accepts as the correct instrument defining the boundary in the Kwaja area as  against the watershed line.  

“We woke up to see soldiers and contractors erecting border signs. Ideally if you enter a community you should inform the people about your mission but they did not consult anybody. After all, they were told Kwaja was not part of the demarcation exercise.   

“You know the 1914 amalgamation and 1932 Thompson Merchand put landmarks that clearly left Kwaja to Britain and Dumo to France. Over time, Cameroon encroached into the area,” he added. 

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In a petition to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the community accused Cameroon of mischievously uploading some of the affected villages on the Google Map as part of its territory, saying the development has dire economic implications on the people.   

The community indicated its resolve to stick to the Thomson-Machand Declaration as the basis of the demarcation between Kwaja in Nigeria and Dumo in Cameroon, saying  the four provisional landmarks which link to the River Tsikariri from Mount Mulkia covering about 15 kilometres served as  the boundary between Kwaja in Nigeria and Dumo in Cameroon and those landmarks are conspicuous to the community.   

The petitioners made reference to paragraph 26 and 27 of the Thompson Marchand Declaration on boundary delimitation between Kwaja (Nigeria) and Dumo (Cameroon), saying the four provisional land marks erected by Messrs Vereka and Pition in 1920 remained the referral point, saying the ICJ judgement was based on these facts. 

They noted that the position  of Nigeria to consider the watershed line as the basis of  the boundary delimitation which is contrary to the Thomson-Machand declaration was  as a result of the inability to identify the four provisional landmarks from the point of Mount Mulikia to the point of Tsikakiri at Mabboni beyond Dumo.   

They added that on February 19, 2014, the community formally notified the National Boundary Commission and all the relevant authorities of the community’s readiness to assist in  identifying  the four provisional landmarks which were erected  in 1920 and in 2019, when a delegation from the boundary commission visited  Kwaja community in an effort to trace the landmarks.     

“The four provisional landmarks were clearly identified, afterwards the commission gave Kwaja community the assurance that not an inch of its land will be ceded to Cameroon through the ongoing boundary exercise because all the evidence they have been looking for in respect to the THOMSON-MACHAND DECLARATION has been clearly identified”, the letter read. 

To calm down tension, a delegation from the United Nations, the Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission and the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission visited Kwaja on March 1 to assure the people that their community was not part of the demarcation exercise.   

Representative of the National Boundary Commission, Aliyu Ribadu, regretted the development, which he described as a mixup, saying the  commission would investigate the persons responsible for erecting new border signs in the area.   

The District Head of Gude, Sali Bello, said traditional rulers in the area had been making efforts to draw the attention of authorities involved in order to avert crisis, stressing the need for government  to protect the Nigerian borders.     

Jingi Rufai, the immediate past council chairman of Mubi South Local Council, said residents were disturbed when they saw Cameroonian soldiers along side members of the CNMC erecting demarcation signs in the villages and felt the area should not be part of Cameroon but their concerns have been communicated to the authorities in Abuja.”

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Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

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7 hours ago

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August 29, 2026

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Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

At least 26 Boko Haram fighters have been killed and 10 motorcycles destroyed after troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion repelled an attack on their position in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack occurred at about 10:50pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, according to the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.

In a statement issued in Maiduguri on Saturday, Goni said the attackers launched an assault on the military position but were met with direct and indirect fire from the troops.

The military response reportedly forced the fighters to retreat towards the Cross Kauwa axis, with several of them killed during the encounter while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

Troops subsequently conducted an exploitation of the area and recovered some of the bodies of the fighters killed during the confrontation.

As the fleeing terrorists attempted to withdraw from the area, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai was deployed to track and engage them.

Goni said the operation was conducted despite challenging weather conditions, with military aircraft locating a group of the fleeing fighters taking cover under trees.

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The air component subsequently carried out a strike that reportedly killed an estimated 10 terrorists.

The operation was further supported by Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

According to Goni, the surveillance assets tracked about 20 motorcycles carrying fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

The intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow-up precision strike, which reportedly killed an additional 15 terrorists and destroyed 10 motorcycles.

Ground troops continued operations in the area and reportedly killed another terrorist during subsequent exploitation.

They also recovered two motorcycles, assorted ammunition and other logistics items, according to the military.

The coordinated ground and air operations were aimed at preventing the attackers from regrouping after the failed assault and disrupting their ability to move fighters and supplies around the area.

The military said the operation further degraded the terrorists’ mobility and fighting capability, while denying them the opportunity to reorganise and launch another attack.

Following the engagement, troops were reportedly replenished by air with essential combat supplies to enable them to sustain the operation and maintain pressure on terrorist elements.

Four military personnel sustained injuries during the confrontation. However, the military said none of the injuries was life-threatening.

The wounded personnel were evacuated by air for medical treatment and were reported to be in stable condition.

Troops have since commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, while battle-damage assessment remains ongoing.

Goni said the successful defence of the Kukawa military position demonstrated the ability of Operation Hadin Kai to integrate ground forces, air assets and intelligence capabilities in responding to terrorist threats.

The latest operation also underscores the strategic importance of Kukawa and the Cross Kauwa axis, which are located within the wider Lake Chad Basin security theatre where insurgent groups have continued to operate.

The area has witnessed repeated counter-insurgency operations as Nigerian forces and the Multinational Joint Task Force work to restrict the movement of Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked fighters around the Lake Chad region.

The Nigerian military has increasingly relied on a combination of ground operations, airstrikes and intelligence-led surveillance to track terrorist movements, disrupt their logistics and prevent attacks on military positions and communities in Borno.

The military said it would sustain offensive operations and intelligence-led surveillance aimed at degrading terrorist capabilities, denying them freedom of action and protecting communities across the North-East.

The casualty figures released by the military represent its assessment of the operation. Independent verification of the reported number of terrorists killed was not immediately available.

Borno: Troops kill 26 Boko Haram fighters, destroy 10 motorcycles in Kukawa

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Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

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8 hours ago

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August 29, 2026

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Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

LAGOS, Nigeria – Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB) of INTERPOL, Lagos Annex, have rescued two Colombian nationals who were allegedly lured to Nigeria and held captive by a human trafficking syndicate. The victims, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa, were rescued following actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. This operation marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against transnational organized crime and human trafficking, demonstrating the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation between Nigeria and Colombia.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the details of the operation in a statement released on Saturday, August 29, 2026. According to the statement, the two women were “fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated” by some Chinese nationals, who are currently at large. Upon receipt of the intelligence from INTERPOL-NCB Bogotá, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day. The statement read in part, “Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.” According to police, the suspects fled the location when they noticed the approaching operatives. “The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate,” the statement said. The police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle the trafficking network.

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The police said the rescued Colombian nationals are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support, including medical care and counseling services to help them recover from their traumatic experience. The statement further disclosed that the Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the National Central Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá. The embassy’s involvement underscores the importance of diplomatic cooperation in handling cross-border trafficking cases and ensuring that victims are not re-victimized by bureaucratic hurdles.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes. The statement said Disu “reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes.” The police said efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the trafficking network.

This rescue operation highlights the growing challenge of transnational human trafficking in Nigeria, which serves as both a source, transit, and destination country for victims. According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria has seen an increase in cases involving foreign nationals being trafficked into the country for forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern slavery. The involvement of Chinese nationals in this case points to the international nature of trafficking syndicates operating in the country. The police have called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, as community cooperation remains vital in combating these crimes.

Police Rescue Two Colombian Women Held Captive by Trafficking Syndicate in Lagos

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Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

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August 29, 2026

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Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

TASAFE, Zamfara State – The Zamfara State Police Command has rescued nine travellers who were trapped in a bandit attack along the Gusau-Funtua Federal Highway in Tsafe Local Government Area, following a fierce gun battle between security forces and the assailants. The police also arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered 11 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles in a separate operation along the same highway on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The incident occurred at about 1:20 pm when the Tsafe Divisional Police Headquarters received reports of heavy gunshots around the Kwanoni-Gidan Giye axis of the highway. According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, suspected bandits had intercepted two vehicles and attacked their occupants. One of the vehicles was a Sharon mini-bus, with registration number KWL 742 ZY, driven by Lawal Dauda of Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State, which was conveying seven passengers from Gusau to Zaria. The second vehicle, an unregistered bus driven by Haruna Alhaji Nasiru of Danja LGA, Katsina State, was carrying his son, Sanusi Haruna, and transporting dry cassava from Sokoto to Funtua. The police said the Tsafe Divisional Police Officer, alongside operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and military personnel under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, immediately moved to the scene after receiving the distress call. The security forces engaged the bandits in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the attack and flee towards the mountainous outskirts of Tsafe town. “Some of the bandits are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds,” the statement said. All nine occupants of the two vehicles were rescued unharmed.

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In a separate operation at about 5:30 pm the same day, VCRU operatives arrested a 50-year-old man, Khalid Umar, who was allegedly conveying 11 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles. Umar, who is from Bawa Ganga Village in Tsafe LGA, was intercepted along the Funtua-Tsafe Federal Highway following credible intelligence. According to the police, a preliminary investigation showed that the suspect was allegedly conveying the firearms from Shuwaki Village in Bakori LGA of Katsina State to Bawa Ganga in Zamfara. The suspect is currently in police custody, while the recovered firearms have been secured for further investigation. The police said the investigation would determine the source and intended recipients of the weapons and identify other persons connected with their procurement and movement.

Friday’s rescue operation comes just days after a more deadly attack on the same highway. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a large group of heavily armed bandits blocked the Gusau-Funtua Federal Highway near Unguwar Chida Village, Tsafe LGA, and opened fire on motorists and passengers. During that attack, eight travellers were killed, including the driver of a Sharon vehicle and seven passengers, while eight others were abducted and nine sustained gunshot injuries. Security forces later pursued that same group of bandits and engaged them in a gun battle, resulting in the neutralisation of 17 suspected bandits, according to police. Several others reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds. The police and military were still conducting operations to track the fleeing members of the gang and rescue the abducted passengers as of Thursday.

The command assured motorists and residents that it would sustain joint patrols and intelligence-led operations along major highways and other vulnerable areas in the state. The statement said joint patrols comprising the police, military, Community Protection Guards, hunters and local vigilantes have been deployed along the highway and other vulnerable locations. It said the measures were aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action and ensuring the safety of travellers. The Commissioner of Police has directed operatives to sustain the ongoing search-and-rescue operations with renewed determination to secure the release of the abducted passengers and bring the fleeing bandits to justice.

 

Zamfara Police Rescue 9 Travellers, Arrest Arms Courier After Gun Battle With Bandits

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