The Nigerian military responded with anger Thursday after its soldiers were dismissed by the defence authorities of Niger as “cowards”, in a rare public tit-for-tat between the two countries involved in the fight against extremist group, Boko Haram.

Niger’s Defence Ministry had in an earlier statement said its soldiers, unlike their Nigerian counterparts, do not run away in the face of battle with Boko Haram militants.

“Our soldiers are not like Nigerians. They don’t run,” the statement said.

In series of tweets, the Nigerian Defence Spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, branded Nigerien soldiers “looters”, and accused them of providing fighters to Boko Haram.

Mr. Olukolade said it was unacceptable for Niger, involved in a Multi-National Joint Task Force, MNJTF, with Nigeria, Cameroun and Chad, to insult Nigerian soldiers who fight to defend their country.

Mr. Olukolade, a Major General, described the Nigerien military as “treacherous” and “poor”.

Re: NIGER – Nigerian Soldiers remain undaunted despite attacks and insults. They have been maximizing the use of available resources to../1

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

to keep at bay these terrorists who keep flooding in from around. Our troops have with due decency & professionalism respected borders /2

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

Our soldiers have remained professional & sacrificial in protecting their fellow Nigerians, preserving the nation's assets /4

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

Despite these jeerings, insults & ill wishes from within or without Nigeria, the Nigerian Soldier has not & will not be deterred /5

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

Despite these jeerings, insults & ill wishes from within or without Nigeria, the Nigerian Soldier has not & will not be deterred /5

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

He remains the gallant, brave and patriotic Nigerian Soldier. Although these battles continue, and others are now joining him, never mind /6

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

very soon, it will be #VictoryforNigeria. The Nigerian Military remains a great asset and the envy of other Nations. /7 RE: Niger

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

Welcome our friends from Niger. No way for your infamous looting here. How the poor country compensates it's soldiers & claim they don't run

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

Our soldiers have been defending our people & Nations wealth from mercenaries supplied to Boko Haram by those who boast that they don't run

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

The Nigerien Defence Ministry's irresponsible comment is noted. It is sad a few partisan elements join the Poor Country to insult our Troops

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

We don't cross our boundaries. It is unacceptable for any Foreign Government to say our Soldiers run. This is your Motherland! Defend Her!

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

Some rushed to the press with the Nigerien gaffe hoping to embarrass our military or government. But nobody will disrespect my Mother!

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

Poor Niger! Treacherous ones amongst us accorded them effrontery to insult our troops to gain bad press. Don't compromise your Patriotism!

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

In his tweets, the general, however assured that the Nigerian military and its soldiers will not be deterred by the insult, as they were focused on clearing the country of the insurgents.

Source - http://saharareporters.com/2015/02/13/nigeria-hits-back-niger-accuses-coalition-soldiers-looting-helping-boko-haram

Seun, abeg put am for homepage. Thanks

On point Niger. Our Millitary just like our inept president always want to be celebrated and praised in their failures. I don't need to be told that our Millitary of today are not good. They can only attack unarmed civilians. They are now police for elections

SORRY TO SAY THIS BUT PEEPS LIKE THIS OLUKOLADE GUY IS NOT SUPPOSE TO BE IN THE ARMY! THE ARMY IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE MADE UP OF MEN THAT BLABS LIKE WOMEN FIGHTS LIKE COWARDS AND LOOKS LIKE A GARAGE TOUT!

PEEPS LIKE HIM ARE THE REASON WHY THE NIGERIAN ARMY HAS TURN TO A BASHING BAG!

WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY THESE STATEMENTS:

They have been maximizing the use of available resources to../1

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

IS HE NOW ADMITTING THAT THE NIGERIAN SOLDIERS ARE NOT PROPERLY EQUIPED AND HENCE HAS TO MAKE USE OF THE LITTLE ARMS PROVIDED TO THEM BY THE FEDERAL GOVT?

Our troops have with due decency & professionalism respected borders /2

— Gen. Chris Olukolade (@GENOlukolade) February 12, 2015

IS OLUKOLADE NOW ADMITTING THAT THE NIGERIEN, CHADIANS AND CAMEROONS ARE FIGHTING BOKOHARAM INSIDE NIGERIA BORDERS WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT?

HMMM! I SMELL SERIOUS TROUBLE BREWING BETWEEN NIGERIA AND ITS NEIGHBORS - SEEMS OUR NEIGHBORS WANTS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FACT THAT OUR SOLDIERS ARE NOW WEAK AND BEGIN TO CLAIM OUR TERRITORIES!

[size=18pt]WE NEED GMB IN ASO ROCK FAST BEFORE NIGERIA BECOMES A WHIPPING BOY THAT ANY ASSH0LE COUNTRY CAN FUK AROUND! [/size]