Acting independently of the Nigerian government, Muhammadu Buhari, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Third Armoured Division of Jos,[3] unilaterally closed the Chadian-Nigerian border and mobilized his forces. The Nigerian government under President Shehu Shagari ordered Buhari to reopen the border, but he openly refused, opting to expel the Chadian troops without the blessings of the government. The Nigerian troops successfully recaptured the islands, and also pursued the Chadians 50 kilometers across the borders.[1]