Kehinde Fajobi
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that the French military plans to establish a base in Nigeria, calling such reports false and misleading.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, issued a statement on Monday addressing the rumours circulating online about French soldiers arriving in Maiduguri to set up a base in the North East.
“The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to online reports alleging the arrival of the first contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri towards establishing a French military base in North East Nigeria,” Buba stated.
He described the reports as “fake, totally false, and mischievous,” recalling that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had previously debunked similar claims during media engagements.
Buba urged Nigerians to disregard the rumours, which he attributed to “the antics of mischief makers.”
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to its constitutional responsibilities, stating, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to operate most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”