The Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has debunked allegations of a French military base in Maiduguri, describing the claims as baseless and misleading.
The clarification follows a statement by social media activist Mahdi Shehu on his X handle, where he alleged the existence of a French military base in North East Nigeria. Shehu supported his claims with a video clip that misrepresented the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Nigerian Army, and a foreign military officer.
In a statement signed by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the Theatre Command categorically denied the claims. It clarified that the video in question depicted Brigadier General Abubakar Haruna, Acting GOC 7 Division, addressing the media alongside a member of the British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) on October 25, 2024, at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
The occasion was the handover of equipment donated by BMATT to Operation HADIN KAI, received by the Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shaibu.
The statement emphasized the long-standing and beneficial partnership between the Nigerian Defence Headquarters and BMATT, which includes training programs and the provision of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) equipment aimed at enhancing operations in the region.
“The claims made by Mahdi Shehu are baseless, deceptive, and a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation,” the statement read. “Such actions are malicious, aimed at misleading the public and inciting unwarranted sentiment.”
The Theatre Command urged the public to disregard the false narrative and rely only on credible, verified information.
