The alleged attempt by a unit of the Cameroonian armed forces known as the Rapid d’Intervention Battalions (BIR) to invade the Atabong East communities in the Idabato subdivision of the Bakassi Peninsula is reported to have been thwarted by separatist militants loyal to the Biafra Nations League (BnL).

The incident reportedly happened around 4 pm on October 31.

Dragon Fighter Marine, an arm of BnL, has claimed responsibility for the defensive attack on the BIR, said to be an elite force of the Cameroon President. Three Cameroonian soldiers reportedly died in the shootout.

The Biafra separatists reportedly operate on the fringes of the Bakassi Peninsula.

According to sources, the battle for control of Idabato did not last up to 30 minutes, and BIR was forced to retreat from the area.

The Cameroonians suffered casualties because they walked into an ambush, and the militant group opened fire from behind.

The authorities in Nigeria were yet to react to the development.