Just few weeks into an agreement for a joint battle to end the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and its threat to other neighbouring African countries, Nigeria and its Niger may be heading for a major face-off that could affect their mission.
The bad blood is the result of a statement from Niger’s Defence Ministry considered as insulting to the Nigerian Army as well as a reply by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters that seems to indict the Nigerien government of aiding the Boko Haram.
On 7th February 2015, Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon and Benin, resolved to gather 8,700 troops, in a Multinational Joint Task Force against Boko Haram.
The Niger’s Defence Ministry, after the agreement, was quoted as saying “our soldiers are not like Nigerians. They don’t run.”
The comment may have been in reference to the incidents of August 2014, when nearly 500 Nigerian soldiers reportedly fled to neighbouring Cameroon following heavy fighting with Boko Haram militants. But Nigeria’s Defence Ministry had clarified the issue then, explaining that the move was a “Tactical manoeuvre”.
Several times after that, there had been reports of soldiers allegedly fleeing troubled towns and villages facing attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.
Angry that the statement was a dent on Nigeria’s image and that it portrayed Nigerian soldiers as cowards, Nigeria’s Defence spokesman, General Chris Olukolade, slammed the Nigerien Defence Ministry calling soldiers from Niger looters.
Apart from accusing them of looting areas they are supposed to assist, Olukolade said the Nigerien soldiers had been helping Boko Haram by providing fighters for the insurgents.
In a series of tweets, Olukolade said:
“Re: NIGER – Nigerian Soldiers remain undaunted despite attacks and insults. They have been maximising the use of available resources to keep at bay these terrorists who keep flooding in from around. Our troops have with due decency & professionalism respected borders.
“Our soldiers have remained professional & sacrificial in protecting their fellow Nigerians, preserving the nation’s assets.
“Despite these jeerings, insults and ill-wishes from within or without Nigeria, the Nigerian soldier has not and will not be deterred. He remains the gallant, brave and patriotic Nigerian soldier.
“Although these battles continue, and others are now joining him, never mind. Very soon, it will be victory for Nigeria. The Nigerian Military remains a great asset and the envy of other Nations.
“Welcome our friends from Niger. No way for your infamous looting here. How the poor country compensates it’s soldiers and claim they don’t run.
“Our soldiers have been defending our people and nation’s wealth from mercenaries supplied to Boko Haram by those who boast that they don’t run
“The Nigerien Defence Ministry’s irresponsible comment is noted. It is sad a few partisan elements join the poor country to insult our troops
“We don’t cross our boundaries. It is unacceptable for any foreign government to say our soldiers run. This is your motherland! Defend her!
“Some rushed to the press with the Nigerien gaffe hoping to embarrass our military or government. But nobody will disrespect my mother!
“Poor Niger! Treacherous ones amongst us accorded them effrontery to insult our troops to gain bad press. Don’t compromise your patriotism!”
