Government Turns Down Rumors Of Hosting American, French Military Bases In Nigeria

Nigerian government clarified on Monday that it won't host the United States and France military bases in the country after being ejected from a neighboring country, Niger.

Putschists in Niger ordered French and United States troops to leave the West African country last year. So far, France has announced its withdrawal from Niger while the U.S. has already withdrawn most of its troops.

However, there were rumors that these two countries might set up a military base in Nigeria but Information Minister Mohammed Idris turned down these rumors and described them as "false alarms," Premium Times reported.

"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," he mentioned in a statement.

He added, "The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda."

A researcher on African Conflict James Barnett said that there has been no indication of the United States' intend of establishing any significant military presence in Nigeria.

He added, "The US is very hesitant about most military engagement with Nigeria to start with and is already deep into talks with Côte d'Ivoire, a much more 'US-compatible partner."

However, the rumors began when various groups and security experts suggested the Nigerian government not allow any such countries to establish a military base.

A group of northern leaders wrote an open letter to President Bola Tinubu over the weekend, suggesting him to be alert over signing any defense pact with the French or the U.S. government.

Jibrin Ibrahim, a senior fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) and one of the signatories to the open letter said that "Nigeria signing a defense pact with the United States of America will be a profound threat to the country's sovereignty and independence."

Ibrahim noted that the idea of a foreign imperialist power having a military base in Nigeria, where the African country has no right of access and can't ask any questions regarding equipment being brought into the country, will eventually be a threat to the country.