The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed that no foreign nation will be permitted to establish military bases in Nigeria.
Addressing recent speculations, he clarified that such claims are baseless and emphasized the nation’s unwavering stance on its sovereignty.
However, General Musa also noted that he was not present in France when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed agreements with French President Emmanuel Macron. Despite this, he assured Nigerians that the agreements were focused on bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, and economic matters, with no provisions for foreign military bases.
“The idea of foreign nations setting up military bases in Nigeria is entirely false,” Musa stated. “It has never happened and will not happen in the future.”
General Musa addressed these speculations during the unveiling of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) Tattoo 2025 Logo at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. The clarification followed allegations that France had been granted permission to establish an expeditionary military base in Nigeria.
“No foreign nation will establish a military base in Nigeria—not in the north, south, or anywhere else,” Musa declared. “This has never happened and will not happen now or in the future. Mr. President has asked me to make this very clear to Nigerians.”
“We partner with foreign nations in areas such as training and the procurement of military equipment,” Musa clarified. “While officers may exchange training programs between nations, establishing military camps in Nigeria was not part of any agreement.”
The CDS reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with foreign allies on mutual goals while maintaining the sovereignty and independence of its military operations.
Tattoo 2025 Logo Unveiled
During the event, Rear Admiral Kabir Mohammed, Chairman of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Tattoo Logo 2025 Committee, highlighted the significance of the newly unveiled logo.
“The logo is a symbol of patriotism, valor, and resilience,” Mohammed said. “It reflects the military’s commitment to peace, security, and leadership, serving as an emblem of pride and dedication for both the armed forces and the public.”
He also noted that the domestication of the Armed Forces Tattoo event, scheduled for 2025, was inspired by Nigeria’s successful participation in the 2019 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and anticipated involvement in the 2024 edition.
This development underscores the nation’s commitment to showcasing its military’s professionalism and cultural heritage on an international stage.
