National SecurityNewsNigeriaFG Denies Plans of Foreign Military Base Move After Concerns Raised By Northern Leaders 

The Nigerian government has refuted claims circulating about the potential relocation of a foreign military base to Nigerian soil.

This comes after an open letter by Prof. Attahiru Jega, an ex-chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other prominent northerners, on 4th May 2024, raised concerns about secret plans to relocate foreign troops to the country.

“It is important to clearly state that there are only dangers and no gains from such military operations,” the group said, claiming that “terrorism, far from abating, has in fact risen dramatically since the US began its operations in the region.”

They outlined several concerns about the alleged military relocation, including strained relations with neighbouring countries, particularly French-speaking nations in West Africa, deteriorating security as foreign bases could become targets for terrorist attacks, potentially escalating insecurity within Nigeria, and the potential financial burden of hosting foreign troops and the long-term economic benefits for Nigeria.

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, called the claims “false alarms.”

The letter alleged that the American and French governments are allegedly aggressively lobbying the Nigerian government to sign new defence pacts that would allow them to station their troops, expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in Nigeria. While acknowledging the need for regional cooperation against terrorism, the letter warns that foreign military bases could pose significant risks.

Minister Idris urged Nigerians to “totally disregard this falsehood.” He elaborated, stating that no such discussion with the US or France is going on.

“We have neither received nor are we considering any proposals from any country on the establishment of any foreign military bases in Nigeria,” he said.

According to the Minister, Nigeria’s defence strategy prioritises cooperation with regional partners and international organisations to combat security challenges.

“The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.