The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari has re-echoed his commitment to barring secessionist groups from using his country as a staging ground to destabilize Cameroon.
The pledge was emphasized by the National Security Adviser to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari, retired Major General Mohammed Babagana Monguno at the start of the eight session of the Cameroon-Nigeria trans-border security committee that ends this Wednesday in Abuja.
Prior to the close of the session, the Nigerian Government through Major General Mohammed Babagana reiterated its stands to combat separatist activities aiming to destabilize Cameroon. Speaking to delegates at the session, the retired General disclosed there was an attempt by secessionist groups in Nigeria to form alliances with those in Cameroon in a bit to destabilize both territories, a situation he said will never be allowed to happen on the Nigerian soil.
“Another emerging concern is the attempt by secessionist groups in Nigeria to form alliances with secessionist groups in Cameroon in order to destabilize both countries. Let me reemphasize during the 6th session in 2019, his Excellency President Buhari reassures you that Nigeria’s territory will never be used as a heaven or staging area by any group of secessionist to destabilize another friendly and sovereign country.”
He proceeded by indicating that plans to put up such alliances will be duly frustrated. “In addition, we will work closely together to ensure that any perceived challenge to form any alliances between secessionist groups in Nigeria and Cameroon are decisively dealt with.”
As to what concerns the close to five years Anglophone crisis rocking the North West and South West regions of Cameroon, the retried General said Nigeria will continue supporting moves by the Government of Cameroon and encourage a ceasefire for peace to reign.
“Furthermore, we will continue to support the efforts of the Cameroonian authorities by engaging all agreed parties to deescalate security concerns in the North West and South West regions of the country.”
As indicated above, the session ends this Wednesday with both parties expected to come up with a blue print that outlines new ways of reinforcing security on their border and empowering neighbouring communities.
The Cameroonian delegation is led by Camerooon’s Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.
Persistent threats of terrorism at Cameroon/Nigeria border
Speaking to delegations at the 8th session, the National Security Adviser to Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed that since the 7th Session took place in Yaounde, Cameroon from the 3rd to the 6th July 2019, series of transnational security issues have either morphed or emerged across common borders that need to be addressed.
According to him, the most dominant transnational security issue remains the threat of terrorism perpetrated by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs).
According to him, these terrorist groups continue to exploit the porous border areas to disrupt the livelihoods of innocent citizens in their communities.
“At this point, I am glad to acknowledge that the close counterterrorism collaboration between our two countries has significantly curtailed the activities of these terrorists as well as other forms of criminality,” he added and thus charged the 8th Session of the Cameroon-Nigeria Trans border Security Committee meeting to produce a comprehensive communique that would provide workable solutions to the current and future trans-border security challenges.
Ariane Foguem
