Kehinde Fajobi
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has firmly stated that no foreign military base will be allowed in Nigeria.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Tattoo 2025 logo at the Defence headquarters on Friday, he dismissed any speculation regarding such agreements, particularly in light of Nigeria’s recent discussions with France.
Gen Musa clarified that the various bilateral agreements signed during President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France focused on trade, industrial development, and technological advancements.
He stressed, however, that no agreement included provisions for foreign military presence in Nigeria.
“No foreign country will establish a military base in Nigeria, whether in the northern part, in the southern part, or anywhere in the country,” General Musa said.
“We will continue to have bilateral relationships with our European and friendly countries, especially in the area of training, technology, and modern hardware acquisition.
“But for them to have boots in Nigeria is not part of any bilateral agreements signed,” he added.
The CDS also clarified that the agreements signed during President Tinubu’s visit to France focused on trade, industrial development, and advancements in training and technology.
He emphasised that no part of the agreements included the establishment of foreign military installations in Nigeria.
Expanding on the AFN Tattoo 2025, General Musa explained that the tattoo in the military refers to a cultural practice, not the kind involving body art.
“Tattoo in the military is a name given to the culture, where we showcase our culture. It is military regimentation. It is part of our tradition that emphasised discipline,” he stated.
He further explained that since the military’s prolonged engagement with Boko Haram and other security threats, new personnel had been deployed directly into operations after completing their training.
“We are trying to bring regimentation back, so that they imbibe the finest military traditions of discipline, respect, valour, order, sacrifice, and duty,” General Musa continued.
The CDS pointed out that as the military made strides toward peace, there was a need to reintroduce these traditional values to younger soldiers unfamiliar with the practice.
“The knowledge of tattoo and how it impacts the military is what separates a true soldier/military personnel from kangaroo forces,” he added.
General Musa also explained the distinction between the AFN Tattoo and the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, noting that the latter is focused on remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the country, while the tattoo emphasizes discipline and tradition.
“We are working towards the harmonisation of the AFN Remembrance Day… So that when peace returns and soldiers return to barracks, the discipline, culture, and tradition remain intact,” he said.
Chairman of the AFN Tattoo organising Committee, Rear Admiral Kabiru Mohammed, highlighted Nigeria’s participation at the 2023 Royal Armed Forces Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland, where Nigeria’s military culture was showcased.
“This logo will serve as an emblem of pride and a unique celebration of the armed forces. It will strengthen the bond between Nigeria and participating countries during the ceremony,” he said.