In a rare public tit-for-tat between the two countries involved in the fight against extremist group, Boko Haram, the Nigerian military has responded with anger after its
soldiers were dismissed by the defence authorities of Niger as “cowards.”
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave Your Comment Here