The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has refuted reports suggesting that Nigeria has granted France permission to establish an expeditionary military base on its soil.
General Musa clarified the matter on Friday during the unveiling of the Armed Forces of Nigeria 2025 Tattoo Logo at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
He addressed the speculations after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to France, where several bilateral agreements were signed.
Musa categorically denied any arrangements involving foreign military bases in Nigeria.
“No foreign body will establish any foreign military base in Nigeria—not in the north, not in the south, not anywhere,” General Musa declared.
He stated that President Tinubu’s agreements with France were focused on areas such as trade, culture, tradition, cooperation, and economic matters.
“Mr. President has made it very clear. Whatever he was signing is a bilateral agreement on trade, culture, tradition, cooperation, and economy. Nothing like foreign military bases was included,” Musa said.
He stressed that President Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and security.
“The President knows the implication. He knows that he must protect Nigeria, and he will never allow any foreign body to establish a military base here,” he noted.
While General Musa acknowledged ongoing international collaborations, including training programs for Nigerian military officers, he stated that they do not involve the establishment of foreign bases.
The CDS used the opportunity to reaffirm the armed forces’ dedication to ensuring peace and security in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond through various strategic initiatives.