The Federal Government has made it clear that no talks over the establishment of foreign military bases in Nigeria were held with any foreign nations.
This was announced in a statement on Monday by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Giving further clarification on the issue, Idris said the FG was not engaged in any discussions with foreign countries regarding the establishment of military bases in Nigeria, nor has it received any proposals for such.
The minister urged the public to disregard false alarms and emphasised the government’s commitment to existing foreign cooperation in addressing security challenges.
He said, “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 disregard this falsehood.
“The Federal Government is not in any such discussion with any foreign country. We have neither received nor are we considering any proposals from any country on the establishment of any foreign military bases in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, to achieve the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
In a letter dated May 3, 2024, addressed to President Bola Tinubu and National Assembly leaders, northern elders urged the government to resist pressures from the US and France to site military bases in Nigeria.
The letter highlighted concerns about lobbying efforts for defence agreements to station troops previously in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The northern leaders expressed worry that such agreements could jeopardise Nigeria’s defence and security.
They questioned the benefits of foreign military bases, particularly noting the lack of effectiveness in curbing terrorism in the Sahel region despite the presence of American troops and intelligence personnel in Niger.