By Bashir Aliyu Limanci
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned in strong terms the statement credited to the head of Niger’s military junta who accused France of using Nigerian sovereign territory to arm Boko Haram.
in a statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, a senior special adviser to Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, the accusation is ‘misleading.’.
The statement also clarified that no French troops were in Nigeria.
“President Tchiani’s allegation during his Christmas Day Broadcast is false and misleading. A “Canada” camp where French soldiers are camped in Borno State does not exist; it is a figment of his imagination. Most importantly, there are no French in Nigeria or any plans by the government of Nigeria to establish a military post manned by the French,” the statement said.
During his Christmas Day Broadcast, General Tchiani who overthrew democratically elected government of Bazoun Muhammad claimed that there was a military outpost called Canada camp that hosted French troops who were there to arm Boko Haram and sabotage attempts by the Chadian forces to defeat Boko Haram.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria has longstanding partnerships with France in food security and infrastructure. The ministry also dispelled any rumour that the deepening ties with France can harm its national interests.
