Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has clarified that there is no single foreign military base in existence anywhere in the country as alleged in some quarters.
The CDS while making the clarification in Abuja at official launching of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), Tattoo 2025 Logo allayed the fears of the members of the public about fabricated news saying that no foreign nation had ever established military base in Nigeria and that non would be allowed to do so now or in the future.
According to him, “Let me speak on Mr President’s recent visit to France where a lot of bilateral agreements were signed.
“Regrettably a lot of comments have been made on the subject matter. Some people enjoy fabricating falsehoods, so I want to clarify some of the insinuations out there.
“No foreign nation will establish a military base in Nigeria, not in the north, not in the south, and not anywhere in Nigeria.
“It has never happened before and it will not happen now. Mr President asked me to make that very clear to Nigerians. Whatever was signed was a bilateral agreement on trade, culture, and traditions and a corporation on the economy.
“Some said that the president had signed agreement to allow the foreign nation to establish base camps in northern Nigeria, nothing like that”.
The CDS who reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to continue to partner with foreign nations bilaterally, especially in the area of training and procurement of military armaments, said “We send our officers and they send their officers here too for training.
That is the normal thing that is done, but to build camp and start operating from Nigeria, that was not part of the agreement,” he declared
The CDS’s explanation is coming on the heels of allegations that permission had been granted to France to establish an expeditionary military base in the country as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to end insurgency activities in the country.
This came just as Gen Musa unveiled the Armed Forces of Nigeria Tattoo 2025 Logo an attribute of catharsis, valour, and resilience of the military, as well as a reminder of political history and vision for the future which serve as an emblem of pride and inspiration for the members of the Armed Forces and the general public.
Speaking on the significance of the Logo the CDS noted that the unveiling of the Armed Forces of Nigeria Tattoo 2025 logo showcases the history, culture, practices, skills, discipline, and heritage of the Nigerian forces.
He explained that the unveiling of the 2025 Armed Forces of Nigeria Tattoo Logo gives discipline, understanding of what command is, what obedience is, and what loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice are.
According to him. ,” It eliminates all this issue of discipline and clashes between civil militaries, with civilians in the town, and all this afterwards.
“This tattoo is a parade. We also invite other members of other forces to come and showcase their parades, their culture, and their activities, and this fosters unity between us.
“So that’s very important for us. And that is a critical thing for every armed force that is professional. That separates you from kangaroo armed forces or non-state actors because they don’t know what all this is about. So we want this, all our tenders to be open to do a parade. We announce everybody is there. We sit down and we watch and we listen.
“And then we make inputs. Now it’s possible to foster our relationship with the civil population. Because what we see, as we have always mentioned, asymmetric warfare is a kind of warfare that survives twice more when the population, when the citizens are not fully aware of terrorism”.
Describing the new Armed Forces of Nigeria 2025 Tattoo logo, General Musa said that each element of the logo has been crafted to reflect the Armed Forces’ commitment to peace, security, and Independence. It is believed that the logo will serve as an emblem of pride and inspiration for the members of the Armed Forces and the general public.
”The tattoo itself is a unique celebration, bringing together members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and civilians, as well as members of the Armed Forces of some notable countries, in the grand exhibition of military music, great displays, and cultural performances.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Committee on Planning and Organising of the Armed Forces of Nigeria 2025, Rear Admiral Kabir Mohammed said that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has long stood as a symbol of strength, courage, and unity while embodying the values of service, sacrifice, and pathos.
“According to him. ” as we plan towards the future, we aim to showcase not only the operational excellence of the military, but also the vibrant culture, an innovative spirit, and the dedication of the men and women who developed the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“The logo we are unveiling today is not just a design. It is an attribute of catharsis, valour, and resilience of the military, as well as a reminder of our political history and vision for the future.
“Each element of the logo has been crafted to reflect the Armed Forces’ commitment to peace, security, and Independence. It is believed that the logo will serve as an emblem of pride and inspiration for the members of the Armed Forces and the general public.
“The tattoo itself is a unique celebration, bringing together members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and civilians, as well as members of the Armed Forces of some notable countries, in the grand exhibition of military music, great displays, and cultural performances.” he noted
“Importantly, it is hoped that the event will not only honour the military tradition but will also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation between the Armed Forces and the citizens.
“It will equally strengthen the bond and relationship between Nigeria and invited participating countries, as well as improve the country’s economy, while boosting the morale of personnel through entertainment”.