Nigeria will not tolerate foreign interference in its security matters – DHQ
Nigeria will not tolerate foreign interference in its security matters – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s sovereignty, emphasizing its ability to independently make decisions, especially concerning security and counterterrorism.
This statement comes in response to recent allegations from the Turkish government, which claimed that members of the group it labels the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) are operating within Nigeria under the cover of educational and healthcare institutions.
At a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday commemorating Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, asserted that FETO maintains an active presence in the country.
He warned, “The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates… particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.”
Poroy also noted that Turkey continues to update Nigerian authorities on what it considers to be the group’s subversive activities and urged vigilance and caution.
However, the DHQ dismissed these claims as neither official nor verified.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday about ongoing military operations, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, stated, “The information coming from the individual you mentioned is considered unofficial by Defence Headquarters.”
“Everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria could not be swayed by external commentary or claims that did not align with its intelligence and national interest.
Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” Kangye said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships with several countries, including Turkey, Kangye cautioned against accepting unverified foreign narratives, especially those that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion.
“We cannot take what other people are saying about Nigeria and accept it without our own independent assessment.
“Nigeria knows what it is, and the Nigerian military has its own code of conduct and operational guidelines,” he said.
Kangye also pointed to the rise of global propaganda and psychological operations, suggesting that foreign assertions could be part of broader strategic manoeuvres.
“There are propagandists everywhere, and psychological warfare is ongoing worldwide. That’s why we must remain vigilant,” he added.
Kangye, however, reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to combat terrorism according to its own strategies, based on national priorities and domestic intelligence.
He emphasized that while Nigeria appreciates its international partners, all security decisions will always uphold the nation’s sovereignty.
