The Federal Government, on Monday, clarified that there were no discussions with foreign countries regarding the establishment of foreign military bases in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the clarification in a statement he signed on Monday.

This was as the French Embassy also told The PUNCH that there was no such plan.

These come in response to concerns raised by northern leaders about the potential risks associated with such a move.

In a letter dated May 3, 2024, addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly leaders, the northern elders urged the government to resist pressures from the US and France.

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 defense 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.

“It is apparent that the presence of American troops and other intelligence personnel in the Niger Republic is not serving any useful purpose. This is for the simple reason that terrorism, far from abating, has risen dramatically since the US began its operations in the region,” the northern elders said.

But in a statement on Monday, the Minister of Information, Idris, debunked the claim.

Idris said the Federal Government was not engaged in any discussions with foreign countries regarding the establishment of military bases in Nigeria, nor had 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.”

Similarly responding to inquiries , the French Embassy in Nigeria said there was no such plan.

The Head of Communication at the Embassy of France in Nigeria, Onyinye Madu, said, “The French Embassy in Nigeria would like to point out that contrary to the claims made in the open letter quoted in the article, no discussions have taken place or are planned between France and Nigeria regarding the relocalisation of military bases.”

Following the military coup in the Sahel country, relations between Niger Republic and France soured.

France condemned the coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, insisting on restoring constitutional order.

After seizing power, the junta demanded France’s military departure, a demand echoed by neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali, both former French colonies, post-successful coups.

With over 1,500 troops stationed in Niger, France played a crucial role in combating jihadist groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State, aiming to curb terrorism across the Sahel.

Exploiting anti-Western sentiments, Russia ventured into the region, capitalising on Niger’s expulsion of French forces. In January, Niger’s military government agreed to bolster military cooperation with Russia.

In March, it revoked an accord with the US, allowing American troops to operate on two bases, prompting the closure of a $100m military drone base near Agadez. The Russian alliance deepened as military instructors arrived in Niger, equipped to train its army.