THE Defence Headquarters has denied allegations that the French military is planning to set up a base in Nigeria.
Human rights activist Mahdi Shehu criticized the government on Saturday for denying this claim.
In a video post, Shehu asserted that French military officers had arrived in Borno State as part of the process to establish the base.
His post included the following: “Last week, the Chief of Defence Staff denied any plans for French military bases in Nigeria. However, yesterday, the Chief of Army Staff received the first contingent of French soldiers and immediately deployed them to Maiduguri to ‘HELP NIGERIA IN FIGHTING BOKO HARAM.’ This is the same Boko Haram that they claimed to have defeated and are now fleeing from.
“Before long, a French military base will likely be established in Maiduguri, possibly before the new year, to ‘FIGHT’ Boko Haram and begin to explore and exploit vast mineral resources, while also harassing, intimidating, and harming local populations, which is typical of France’s presence in Africa.”
In response, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, issued a statement today dismissing these claims as false and misleading.
He stated, “The Defence Headquarters has noted online reports alleging that the first contingent of French soldiers has arrived in Maiduguri to establish a French military base in North-East Nigeria. The Armed Forces of Nigeria categorically state that this information is completely false and misleading. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has addressed this issue in various media forums, refuting such claims and speculation.
“The public is urged to disregard these circulating claims and speculations, which are clearly the work of mischief-makers. The military will continue to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities professionally and maintain the territorial integrity of our nation. Please share this information.”
