The Defence authorities on Monday explained that the Nigerian troops crossed over to the Cameroonian side of the border during the battle with the insurgents while making a tactical manouver.

A statement on official website of the Nigeria military, defenceinfo.mil.ng, stated that the Nigerian troops had to submit their weapons to the Cameroonian authorities to show that they were not on any offensive against the country in line with standard practice.

It was added that the troops were on their way to Nigeria after the matter was sorted out by the authorities of both countries.

The statement added that it was wrong to describe the presence of the soldiers in Cameroon as defection in view of discussions between the military leaderships of Nigeria and Cameroon and contacts made with the soldiers about their safety.

It said, “The Nigerian troops that were found in Cameroon was as a result of a sustained battle between the troops and the terrorists around the borders with Cameroon which saw the Nigerian troops charging through the borders in a tactical manoeuvre.

“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.

“Following necessary discussions between Nigerian and Cameroonian 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.”

The statement added that troops encountered a group of insurgents who were attempting to enter the country through Gamboru Ngala in a gun battle and were still in pursuit of them.

“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,” it added.
http://www.punchng.com/news/presence-of-nigerian-soldiers-in-cameroon-a-tactic-dhq/.

Defence HQ is talking as if they are drunk. Of course it was not a defection, it was an escape from an unrelenting assault from Boko.

It would have been better if they had even called it a Tactical Retreat.

I said it.

I have argued in this same line. BBC was wrong initially to call it a 'defection', and even wrong again to call it 'fleeing'. Soldiers don't desert wearing uniforms and carrying arms.

'Retreat' is a basic military tactical maneuver. When few soldier are confronted with a numerically larger force in indefensible position without ready reinforcement, the options are limited - it's fight to the death or retreat to fight another day. Flight could be termed 'fleeing' if it is spontaneous and disorderly (usually involving dumping of weapons, uniforms) it is called deserting. But when soldiers, fight as they pull back, still holding on to their weapons, uniforms, etc, it a 'retreat.' And there is nothing to be ashamed of in retreat, especially if you live to fight another day!

To fight to the death when there is alternative is a waste of manpower and equipments, unless the soldiers are commanded to defend a position at all cost!

Who's going to win this propaganda award

Olisa Metuh
Lai Mohammed
Chris Olukolade
Okupe
DSS's Marilyn Ogar....

Krak: Defence HQ is talking as if they are drunk. Of course it was not a defection, it was an escape from an unrelenting assault from Boko.

It would have been better if they had even called it a Tactical Retreat.

Why are you soo excited, you rather believe your comrades BH

Propaganda as always, we nw knw batter.

Mean while

VOTE GEJ 4 2015

lagdmark:
Why are you soo excited, you rather believe your comrades BH

You are a f.ool for making such statement.

Hopeless lying pot bbellied bastrds in dat HQ!! Hopeless men!! Corrupt buffoon;

Its until we accept a problem; b4 it can be solgved; n those top brass; have refused to see d boko boiz as a problem; allowing our innocent soldiers been slain @ will!!!

Any eastern/western soldier; still in NE fighting; is a big fool; n know u re not doing it 4 us; resign n come back home; dat is not cowardice but wisdom!!