Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the principal headquarters of Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), on Monday declared that there is no foreign military base located in any part of the country.
Describing stories being peddled of the existence of a French military base or any other as “fake, totally false and mischievous,” Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba, urged the public to ignore any story related to the “antics of mischief makers.”
The statement by General Buba reads: “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.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby states 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.
“Accordingly, the general public is urged to disregard these news and speculations still making rounds in some quarters.
“It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers.
“Nevertheless, the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of our nation.”