Nigeria Where Denial Is Govt official Confirmation Statement – Dr Shehu Mahdi

By our correspondent

Serial federal government critics, Dr. Mahdi Shehu has said that denial has become Federal government officials confirmation statement, citing “No French Military Base In Maiduguri, Nigerian Army Says”.

He was reacting to “No French Military Base In Maiduguri”, quoting Nigerian Army as the sources.

According to him, “The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK)”, had issued a counter statement saying that there is no French Military Base in Maiduguri.

The activist, Mahdi Shehu, stated that “The statement was issued by Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, recently.

Mahdi Shehu on his X handle had alleged the establishment of a French military base in Maiduguri, North East Nigeria, where he also placed a video clip of the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army and a foreign military officer as being a French soldier.

“We categorically state 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 claims made, Mahdi Shehu said are 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” part of the statement reads