By DAYO ADESULU
Viral Claims Spark Public Concern
The Defence Headquarters has firmly dismissed allegations that the French military is planning to establish a base in Nigeria, particularly in the conflict-prone Northeast. This clarification follows a viral post by human rights activist Mahdi Shehu, who claimed that French military officers had already arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, as part of this supposed plan.
Mahdi Shehu’s Allegations
In a widely circulated video and post on social media, Shehu criticized the Nigerian government for denying the development. His post alleged:
- The Chief of Defence Staff had initially denied plans for a French base.
- French soldiers had reportedly been received by the Chief of Army Staff and deployed to Maiduguri to assist in combating Boko Haram.
- He suggested the alleged French presence aimed at exploiting Nigeria’s natural resources, while intimidating and suppressing local communities, consistent with France’s history in Africa.
Military Responds to Allegations
On Monday, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, unequivocally refuted these claims.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false, and mischievous,” Maj. Gen. Buba said in a statement.
He reiterated that similar claims had been addressed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, in earlier media engagements.
Call for Public Discretion
Maj. Gen. Buba urged the public to disregard the misinformation, labeling it as the work of “mischief makers.”
“Nevertheless, the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of our nation,” he added.
The Bigger Picture
The military’s denial underscores Nigeria’s sensitivity to issues of sovereignty and foreign military presence, particularly in the context of its ongoing fight against terrorism.
