by Kolapo Olapoju
The multi-national joint forces, which comprises of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, was formed for a reason – to collectively prosecute the war against terrorist sect, Boko Haram.
What the initiators may or may have not envisaged was the emergence of unhealthy competition and confrontation between soldiers and officers of the countries… however, the first of this kind of confrontation has commenced. Earlier in the week, the Niger Defence Ministry released a statement, where it took a direct swipe at the Nigerian Army, saying: “Our soldiers are not like Nigerians. They don’t run.”
Many Nigerians were displeased with the comment and social media users in particular, expressed their displeasure, but the Army stayed mute on the matter for a couple of days, until the night of Thursday, February 12.
On Thursday, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Major Gen. Chris Olukolade, finally responded to the insulting taunt of the Nigerien army.
In a series of tweets, Olukolade attacked Niger’s army, while at the same time defended the honour of the Nigerian army and its soldiers.
He accused the Nigerien army of being known for looting and getting engaged in mercenary activities, while also going further to say some of them are paid agents of the Boko Haram, as a result of the poverty in their country.
It remains to be seen, what impact the verbal exchange will have on the operation of the multi-national joint forces.
Read below, the tweets put out by Olukolade:
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
unlike others reputed for looting, mercenary engagement/collaboration with terrorists as a way of surviving the poverty in their country /3
— 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
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
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