The Nigerian Senate has established an ad-hoc committee to investigate reports of the Republic of Cameroon’s alleged annexation of the country’s mangrove islands and maritime territories.

Senator ANIEKAN BASSEY led the motion under Orders 41 and 51, raising concerns about the economic and territorial implications of Cameroon’s encroachment on Nigerian land.

BASSEY expressed alarm over the actions of Cameroonian security forces, known as the Gendarmes, who have imposed foreign laws on Nigerians living in 16 ancestral villages in the affected areas. He called the situation a monumental national embarrassment.

In response, Senate President GODSWILL AKPABIO assured that he would engage with President BOLA TINUBU to explore diplomatic solutions to the crisis. Akpabio also announced the formation of the ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the alleged annexation of Nigeria’s mangrove islands and maritime territories.

The committee is expected to report back with its findings and recommendations within the next two months.