The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed insinuations that French soldiers have arrived Maiduguri in Borno State to establish a military base in the North East region.
Heritage Times HT reports that Nigerian troops have been battling Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the region for over a decade.
Dismissing the rumoured arrival of French troops on Monday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations noted that the “information is fake, totally false and mischievous”.
“The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to online reports alleging the arrival of the first contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri towards establishing a French Military base in North East Nigeria.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby states unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false and mischievous. It would be recalled that Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa CFR, recently addressed this matter in different media forums. In which he debunked the news and such speculations.
“Accordingly, the general public is urged to disregard these news and speculations still making rounds in some quarters. It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers.
“Nevertheless, the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of our nation,” the statement read.
