The National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki has assured the Cameroonian Government that Nigeria has no ambition to acquire territories in Cameroon, as it seeks cross border cooperation in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operation.
Dasuki gave the hint Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the Nigeria/Cameroon Trans-Border Security Committee holding from July 8-11, saying the gathering would provide a unique opportunity for border security agencies of the two countries to meet and discuss issues that hitherto has been difficult.
According to him, through cooperation and collaboration, the issues have been brought to the negotiation table and are being addressed.
“I wish to expressly state, that Nigeria does not have any territorial ambition, the resolution of the Bakasi Peninsula issue is a clear attestation to this.
“The defeat of terrorism is going to be mutually beneficial, we should therefore look for every reason to collaborate rather than excuses not to,” he said.
Dasuki said the session was a continuation of what began in Yaoundé during the first session in November 2013, which provided the opportunity for border security agencies of the two countries to meet, discourse and negotiate issues that hitherto were difficult.
“From the last meeting to date, a lot of challenges have been thrown up especially pertaining to the rise in terrorist activities within and along the border, of our two countries.
“Furthermore the security meetings held in Paris on the 17th of May 2014 and in London on 12th of June 2014 under the auspices of the leadership of both countries, respectively, underpins the need for this meeting.”
Dasuki also used the opportunity to restate the commitment of the FG to the development of peace, security and stability in Africa and with neighboring countries.
On his part, the Head of Cameroon Delegation and Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Mr Rene Sadi, said that the meeting would assist both countries to urgently take measures to wipe out criminalities from the borders.
“It was the responsibility of both countries to seek for appropriate ways and means to reinforce and consolidate the environment of peace and quietness along their common borders.
“Environment conducive for exchange trade and commerce, environment conducive for the reinforcement of cooperation between our countries.
“The Cameroonian authority has formed vigilante along the borders because recently there have been influx of refugees.
“All these measures are beginning to bear the desired fruit to pursue and we hope the implementation without respite.”
Sadi noted that Cameroon was going to deploy all resources in fighting this phenomenon “which is no doubt an attempt against our fundamental value.”
