House Seeks Tough Diplomatic Measures On Cameroon Border Breaches, Xenophobic Attacks In South Africa
House Raises Alarm Over Border Security and Nigerians’ Safety Abroad
THE House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take urgent diplomatic and security measures to address alleged repeated incursions by Cameroonian military personnel into Nigerian territory while also demanding a stronger response to the killing of Nigerians in South Africa.
The resolutions followed the adoption of two motions of urgent public importance during plenary on Thursday, reflecting lawmakers’ growing concern over Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the protection of its citizens both at home and abroad.
Lawmakers warned that continued border violations and recurring attacks on Nigerians outside the country could undermine national sovereignty, regional security and confidence in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
Lawmakers Condemn Alleged Cameroonian Military Incursions
Presenting the first motion, the member representing Boki/Ikom Federal Constituency of Cross River State, Victor Abang, alleged that armed Cameroonian soldiers entered Danare community in Boki Local Government Area on June 9 without authorization.
He described the incident as a violation of Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty and international law, noting that the presence of foreign military personnel created panic among residents and heightened concerns over security in border communities.
According to the lawmaker, repeated cross-border incursions threaten the safety of residents and undermine internationally recognised principles governing relations between sovereign states.
Following the debate, the House condemned the alleged incursions and urged the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Cameroon to prevent future incidents.
Calls for Stronger Border Protection
The lawmakers further recommended the establishment of a permanent Forward Operating Base in the Danare axis to strengthen military presence and reassure residents of government protection.
They also urged the implementation of the report of the House Ad Hoc Committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon border crisis and directed the Committees on Defence and National Security to monitor compliance and report back to the House.
Members noted that despite the resolution of the Bakassi Peninsula dispute through international agreements, concerns over border demarcation, security patrols and the welfare of frontier communities continue to require sustained bilateral engagement.
House Demands Diplomatic Action Against South Africa
In a separate resolution, lawmakers called on the Federal Government to summon the South African High Commissioner to explain the recent killings of Nigerians and clarify Pretoria’s commitment to protecting foreign nationals.
The motion, sponsored by Yusuf Gagdi, followed reports that two Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa, including one who reportedly died in police custody.
Lawmakers described the incidents as part of recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals despite previous diplomatic assurances.
The House also urged the Federal Government to review aspects of bilateral relations with South Africa until measurable guarantees are provided for the protection of Nigerians living there.
Call for International Investigation and Protection
The House further demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the killings, urging South African authorities to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
Lawmakers also called for stronger engagement with the African Union, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to improve protection for African migrants.
In addition, they advocated enhanced consular assistance, legal support, emergency evacuation arrangements and reintegration programmes for affected Nigerians.
The House concluded by observing a minute’s silence in honour of Nigerians and other African nationals who have lost their lives in xenophobic attacks, reaffirming the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to safeguard Nigerian citizens wherever they reside.
