By John Ogunsemore
The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims of the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria.
In a Monday statement, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Reuben Kovangiya said the claim is false.
Kovangiya said the misleading claim was shared via X by a social commentator who supported his unfounded narrative with a video clip that misrepresents the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Nigerian Army, and a foreign military officer as being part of the French military.
Kovangiya said The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) categorically states that there is no French military base in Maiduguri, nor are there any plans to establish one in the North East Theatre of Operation.
“The video in question depicts the Acting GOC 7 Division, Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, addressing the press alongside a member of the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).
“This event occurred on 25 October 2024, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, during the handover of equipment donated to OPHK by BMATT, which was received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shaibu.
“It is important to highlight the longstanding and fruitful military partnership between the Nigerian Defence Headquarters and BMATT. This collaboration has resulted in significant support, including training programs and the provision of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment to enhance ongoing operations in the North East,” the statement reads in part.
Kovangiya said the claims were baseless, deceptive, and a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation.
“Such actions, driven by malicious intent, aim to mislead the public and incite unwarranted sentiment.
“We urge the public to disregard these false narratives and rely on verified information from credible sources,” the statement further reads.