The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports claiming the arrival of a contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri to establish a French military base in North East Nigeria.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, described the report as “fake, totally false, and mischievous.” He urged Nigerians to disregard the claims, emphasizing that the information is baseless and the work of mischief makers.
The statement reads in part:
“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.”
Major General Buba further recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa CFR, had recently addressed similar rumors in various media engagements, where he firmly debunked the claims and described them as unfounded.
The statement continued:
“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.”
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, Major General Buba stressed that the Armed Forces will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities with the highest level of professionalism.
“Nevertheless, the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally, and ensure the territorial integrity of our nation.”
The Defence Headquarters urged the public to verify information from credible sources to avoid being misled by false narratives aimed at sowing unnecessary tension.