The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed widespread claims of the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria, labeling the reports as false and misleading. The clarification comes in response to a viral video that sparked controversy and misinformation on social media platforms.
The Origin of the Misinformation
The viral claims emerged from a post on X (formerly Twitter) by a social commentator, who alleged that a French military base was being established in Maiduguri. The commentator supported the narrative with a video clip that was misinterpreted to show the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army, alongside a foreign military officer, purportedly from the French military.
However, the Nigerian Army has clarified that this interpretation is entirely false and baseless.
The Army’s Official Response
In a statement released on Monday, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), debunked the claims and urged the public to disregard the misinformation.
“The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai 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.”
Kovangiya explained that the video in question was taken out of context, and the individuals shown were not part of the French military.
The Truth Behind the Video: British Military Collaboration
The controversial video actually captured the Acting GOC, Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, addressing the press alongside a member of the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT). The event occurred on October 25, 2024, at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.
The occasion marked the handover of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment donated to Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) by BMATT. The Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shaibu, received the equipment as part of ongoing military collaborations.
Kovangiya emphasized the longstanding and productive partnership between the Nigerian Defence Headquarters and BMATT, which has led to:
- Comprehensive training programs for Nigerian troops.
- Provision of vital equipment to enhance operations against insurgency in the North East.
This collaboration highlights the strong bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in tackling terrorism and insecurity.
Army Condemns Spread of Misinformation
Captain Kovangiya strongly condemned the spread of such misleading information, attributing it to malicious intent aimed at inciting unnecessary public tension and sentiment.
“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 reiterated the importance of fact-checking and verifying information before dissemination, especially regarding matters of national security.
Why This Matters: Context of Military Operations in Maiduguri
Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, particularly against Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province). As the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maiduguri plays a strategic role in ongoing counterterrorism operations.
The Nigerian military has received international support over the years, primarily from allied countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, in areas such as:
- Training and capacity building
- Intelligence sharing
- Equipment support
However, claims of foreign military bases are often sensitive topics, fueling unnecessary speculation and mistrust among the public.
The Role of BMATT in Nigeria’s Anti-Terrorism Efforts
The British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) has been a critical partner in strengthening Nigeria’s fight against insurgency. Their contributions include:
- Training Nigerian Troops: Enhancing the capabilities of soldiers engaged in counterterrorism.
- Counter-IED Programs: Providing expertise and equipment to neutralize improvised explosive devices, a major tactic used by insurgents.
- Operational Support: Offering advisory roles to ensure military strategies align with international best practices.
The recent handover of equipment demonstrates BMATT’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in restoring peace to the North East.
Public Reaction and Need for Verification
The spread of false information through social media has become increasingly common, particularly on sensitive issues like security. The Nigerian Army’s prompt response highlights the importance of:
- Accurate Reporting: Journalists and commentators must verify claims before publishing.
- Public Awareness: Citizens should rely on trusted and official sources for news about national security.
- Accountability: Those who spread misinformation with malicious intent must be held accountable.
Conclusion: Clarifying the Narrative
The Nigerian Army has categorically debunked the rumors of a French military base in Maiduguri, emphasizing that the viral claims were based on a deliberate misrepresentation of events. The video in question depicted a routine collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT), showcasing ongoing international support for Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts.
As the fight against insurgency continues, partnerships like that with BMATT remain vital for strengthening Nigeria’s security operations. The public is advised to remain vigilant against misinformation and to trust verified, credible sources for updates on matters of national importance.