DHQ debunks reports on planned establishment of French military base in Nigeria

The Defence Headquarters of the Nigerian Army has debunked reports claiming that the French military was planning to establish a base in Nigeria.

The rumours gained momentum on social media and some traditional media platforms following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France where he met with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major- Gen Edward Buba, made the clarification in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He said the clarification was necessitated by reports that French soldiers had arrived in the country preparatory to the setting up of the base in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The statement read: “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.

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“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false and mischievous.

“It would be recalled that Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa CFR, recently addressed this matter in different media forums. In which he debunked the news and such speculations.

“It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers.”

The spokesman urged Nigerians to disregard the news, saying the military would continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities professionally and ensure the country’s territorial integrity.

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