We lost Bakassi to Cameroon because of failed political leadership. Incompetence and corruption has done far more damage to Nigeria than anything else.
History that Deserves to be Remembered.
Today 12 March 1994, the Nigerian government accused France of deploying troops to the disputed Bakassi Peninsula to command Cameroonian forces in an all out war with Nigeria.
Today 12 March 1994, the Nigerian government accused France of deploying troops to the disputed Bakassi Peninsula to command Cameroonian forces in an all out war with Nigeria.
France vehemently denied the allegation that it's troops were in Bakassi. The Nigerian army said it had confirmation that French troops were used at East Atabong and Isengele, part of the disputed peninsula, and French forces are now directing operations for the Cameroonians.
The Nigerian army dramatically escalates the situation with troop reinforcement and heavy artillery.
Perhaps hoping to intimidate Nigeria into backing down, a Cameroonian government spokesman said:
QUOTE
The French are not at the front. The French are still in reserve . . .
Perhaps hoping to intimidate Nigeria into backing down, a Cameroonian government spokesman said:
QUOTE
The French are not at the front. The French are still in reserve . . .
of the Cameroonian defence. But the French are our allies and we reserve the right to call on them when we deem it necessary.
END QUOTE
In a vain attempt to intimidate Nigeria, the spokesman invariably confirmed the presence of French troops in Cameroon.
END QUOTE
In a vain attempt to intimidate Nigeria, the spokesman invariably confirmed the presence of French troops in Cameroon.
The French government denied the accusations that it's forces were deployed in the Bakassi Peninsula, and said it had only 50 military advisers permanently based in Cameroon and 15 paratroopers and two Puma attack helicopters sent on 27 February at the request of Cameroon.
Nigeria said the French deployment is much larger. Nigerian army spokesman Brigadier-General Fred Chijuka said:
QUOTE
The heavy military involvement of France in the Nigeria-Cameroon dispute will only reinforce the resolve of Nigerians to get back what belongs to them.
END
QUOTE
The heavy military involvement of France in the Nigeria-Cameroon dispute will only reinforce the resolve of Nigerians to get back what belongs to them.
END
The Nigerian army deployed its ROLAND Short Range Air Defence System to the disputed area. Nigerian intelligence was well aware that France was pushing Cameroon to escalate/trigger all out war with Nigeria. It remained to be seen if Cameroon will aquience to the pressure.
The Nigerian army was prepared for any eventuality. If war was innevitable, the army had orders to bombard Cameroonian positions with heavy artillery in a pre-emptive strike, and shoot down any aircraft that tries to attack Nigerian armoured units with a battery of ROLAND SAM. 
The Roland system is effective against air threats from extremely low to medium altitude
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
