The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that the French military is planning to establish a base in Nigeria. This comes after human rights activist Mahdi Shehu alleged that French military officers had arrived in Borno State to set up the base.
Shehu’s claims were made in a video-accompanied post, where he stated that the Chief of Army Staff had received the first contingent of French soldiers, who were deployed to Maiduguri to fight Boko Haram. Shehu expressed concerns that the French military presence would lead to exploitation and harm to local communities.
However, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, has described the claims as “fake, totally false, and mischievous.” Buba stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had previously addressed the issue and debunked such claims.
The Defence Headquarters has urged the public to disregard the claims, attributing them to “the antics of mischief makers.” The military has reassured the public that it will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities professionally and ensure the country’s territorial integrity.
This development comes amid concerns from prominent northern leaders, who have warned against the relocation of US and French military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
