CDS Musa: No Foreign Military Base Will Be Allowed in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, firmly states that the country will not permit any foreign military base on its soil. Read his full statement.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has denied reports claiming that France was given permission to set up an expeditionary military base in Nigeria.

Musa rejected the suggestion that President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to France, during which several bilateral agreements were signed, involved permitting foreign military bases in Nigeria.

The Defense Chief provided clarification on Friday during the launch of the Armed Forces of Nigeria 2025 Tattoo Logo at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

He stated that Nigeria will not permit any foreign military bases.

The President emphasized that it should be unmistakably clear: the document he was signing pertains to a bilateral agreement encompassing trade, culture, tradition, cooperation, and economy.

Not at all. The President is fully aware of the implications and understands his responsibility to protect Nigeria, ensuring no foreign entity interferes.

We will maintain our bilateral partnership by continuing joint training and regularly sending our officers, as is standard practice. However, establishing a foreign military base in Nigeria does not align with the President’s plans.

“So I see this as a chance to clarify,” he stated.