The Federal Government has denied reports suggesting discussions with foreign countries to establish military bases in Nigeria.
News About Nigeria reports that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a press statement released on Monday, urged the public to disregard the “falsehood” being circulated.
“The Federal Government is aware of false alarms being raised in some quarters alleging discussions between the Federal Government of Nigeria and some foreign countries on the siting of foreign military bases in the country. We urge the general public to totally disregard this falsehood,” the government said.
The statement clarified that the government has not received nor is considering any proposals from foreign countries to establish military bases in Nigeria
It further said that the Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in addressing security challenges and is committed to deepening these partnerships to achieve national security objectives.
Recall that key leaders in the North on Friday, sounded a warning to the Nigerian government against relocating US and French military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
The warning was contained in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and National Assembly leaders.
The northern elders urged the government to resist pressures from the US and France to station troops previously based in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The letter, dated May 3, 2024, expressed concerns that Nigeria might agree to a defence pact that could jeopardise its defence and security.
The northern leaders pointed out that the removal of French and American forces from Niger raises questions about the benefits of foreign military bases.
