Amidst growing speculation and concerns regarding the establishment of foreign military bases in Nigeria, the federal government has categorically denied any discussions or proposals on the matter.
In a statement issued by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, on Monday, the government urged Nigerians to disregard the “falsehood” surrounding the alleged discussions.
According to the statement, the federal government has neither received nor considered any proposal for the establishment of foreign military bases in the country. It explained that Nigeria already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges and remains committed to deepening these partnerships to achieve national security objectives.
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“The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges,” the statement reads.
“The president remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The denial comes in response to recent reports suggesting that Nigeria may be in discussions with foreign countries, particularly the United States and France, regarding the siting of foreign military bases within its borders. Some northern leaders, in a letter addressed to both the presidency and the national assembly, cautioned against accepting such proposals, citing potential dangers to the country’s sovereignty and security.
The signatories of the open letter expressed a strong belief in the profound and far-reaching economic and environmental impacts of hosting foreign military bases. They highlighted concerns about the potential damage such bases could inflict on the relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic.
“Therefore, in this circumstance, Nigeria must be bold enough to reject the proposal, if for no other reason than to return a good turn. At least since independence Nigeria and Niger have maintained relatively cordial relations that have always helped in stabilizing the sub-region on several occasions. The two countries have come to the aid of one another during their moment of crises,’’ they said.
The background to these speculations lies in the strained relationship between the Niger Republic and France following a military coup in the Sahel country. France, a key security ally of Niger, had stationed over 1,500 troops in the country to combat jihadist groups and prevent the spread of terrorism in the Sahel region. However, after the coup, the junta announced the expulsion of French forces, signaling a shift in diplomatic and military relations.
The US also faced setbacks in Niger. In March, the junta nullified an agreement with the US government permitting American troops to operate on two of its bases. The US reportedly agreed to shut down its $100 million military drone base near Agadez.
Constructed six years ago, the base played a crucial role in the US-France strategy to counter jihadist activities in West Africa.
In response, Russia capitalized on anti-Western sentiments in the Sahel, offering military cooperation and training to the Nigerien army. This move raised concerns about Russia’s growing influence in the region and its implications for regional security dynamics.
These developments fueled speculation that the US and France might seek alternative locations for their military operations, including Nigeria.
However, security analysts assert that Nigeria must carefully consider its decision regarding hosting military bases for France and the United States.
Lawrence Alobi, a security expert, argues that the nation would gain more by adhering to a policy of non-alignment.
“Nigeria’s foreign policy has always followed the tradition of nonalignment that dates from the early 1960s and which helped the country greatly during the period of the Cold War”.
“I don’t foresee anything that will warrant a change in that policy, either in the immediate or even shortly, because, even currently, we have a robust relationship with China and Russia”.
Alobi added that sticking to the ‘non-alignment policy’ will yield more benefits for Nigeria.
“If we sign such a security pact with these nations, they can continue to monitor your security apparatuses. Building a base in Nigeria will expose Nigeria to top security risks. We have always been non-allied, we will have more benefits and respect if we keep things as they are,” he said.