The Defence Headquarters, on Friday, accused Niger Republic of supplying fighters to Boko Haram in the terrorist organisation’s war against Nigeria.

Defence spokesman, Major General Chris Olukolade, in several angry tweets, carpeted Niger for describing Nigerian soldiers as “cowards”

An official of Niger Republic’s Defence Ministry was quoted in the media, on Friday, as saying that his country’s soldiers “are not like Nigerians. They don’t run.”

Olukolade, in a swift response through Twitter, described Niger, which is part of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) with Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad as “treacherous” and supplying mercenaries to Boko Haram.

“Nigerian soldiers remain undaunted despite attacks and insults. They have been maximising the use of available resources to keep at bay these terrorists who keep flooding in from around. Our troops have, with due decency and professionalism, respected borders unlike others reputed for looting, mercenary engagement (and) collaboration with terrorists as a way of surviving the poverty in their country.

“Our soldiers have remained professional and sacrificial in protecting their fellow Nigerians, preserving the nation’s assets. Despite these jeers, insults and ill wishes from within or outside Nigeria, the Nigerian soldier has not and will not be deterred. He remains the gallant, brave and patriotic Nigerian soldier. Although these battles continue, and others are now joining him, never mind, very soon, it will be #VictoryforNigeria. The Nigerian military remains a great asset and the envy of other nations.

“Welcome our friends from Niger. No way for your infamous looting here. How the poor country compensates its soldiers and claim they don’t run. Our soldiers have been defending our people and nation’s wealth from mercenaries supplied to Boko Haram by those who boast that they don’t run.

“The Nigerien Defence Ministry’s irresponsible comment is noted. It is sad a few partisan elements joined the poor country to insult our troops. We don’t cross our boundaries. It is unacceptable for any foreign government to say our soldiers run. This is your Motherland! Defend Her!” Olukolade tweeted.

21 killed in Borno villages

Meanwhile, at least 21 people were killed in two separate Boko Haram attacks on villages near Maiduguri in northeast Nigeria, a community leader and a witness said on Friday.

“They (Boko Haram) killed 12 people in Akida village and nine others in Mbuta village during a raid,” said community leader, Mustapha Abbagini.

A witness to the attack in Mbuta gave the same death toll while both said that the insurgents destroyed shops and homes in the raids, which happened on Thursday morning.

The attack in Akida, which is some 25 kilometres from Maiduguri, happened at about 4:30 a.m. when villagers were asleep, said Abbagini.

After setting homes and businesses on fire, the insurgents left and attacked Mbuta at about 7:25 a.m., he added.

Mbuta resident, Hamidu Bukar, said: “The attackers destroyed about 25 houses and five shops in our village after killing nine people that attempted to flee from their assault.

“The attackers came from (the) Dikwa area (of Borno State) and they accused us of spying for military authorities… I don’t know what they mean by that.

“They threatened that if they fail in their future operations of advancing towards Maiduguri, they would destroy our villages.”