The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has strongly denied allegations that the Nigerian government plans to permit the establishment of foreign military bases in the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday during the unveiling of the Armed Forces of Nigeria 2025 Tattoo Logo, Musa dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to France included agreements on foreign military operations within Nigeria’s borders.
He categorically stated, “No foreign body will establish any military base in Nigeria—north, south, or anywhere else.”
Musa clarified that President Tinubu’s engagements with France were limited to bilateral agreements in areas such as trade, culture, and economic cooperation.
“Mr. President knows the implication,” he said. “He knows that he must protect Nigeria, and he will never allow any foreign body to establish a military base here.”
The CDS further explained that while Nigeria maintains strong bilateral partnerships with other nations, these partnerships are limited to training exchanges and other collaborative programs, not foreign military installations.
He emphasized the armed forces’ unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.