The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri, North-East Nigeria. The rumour, propagated by social media activist Mahdi Shehu, includes a video suggesting collaboration between the Nigerian Army and French forces in the region.
In a statement issued by the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, described the claims as false and malicious. He clarified that the video in question was taken during a press briefing on 25 October 2024, featuring Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, alongside a member of the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).
“The purported video is a clip showing the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Nigerian Army Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna granting audience to pressmen, flanked by a member of the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT), after the donation of equipment to OPHK by BMATT, recieved by the Theatre Commander Major General Waidi Shaibu on 25 October 2024 at Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Borno State,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its longstanding military collaboration with BMATT, which includes training support and equipment donations, particularly in combating the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the region.
Captain Kovangiya further criticised the allegations, calling them a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation and incite public distrust. “The cheap claims made by Shehu Mahdi are baseless misrepresentation and a deliberate attempt to cause misinformation through photo shopping with malicious intent to deceive, manipulate, and influence public opinion,” he stated, urging Nigerians to disregard the falsehoods and rely on verified information.
