by Nnenna Ibeh
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.