The Nigerian government said on Monday that it has no plan to host foreign military bases within its borders.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris described as “false alarms” the suspicion among observers that the government was considering approving military bases for the US and France following their ejection from neighbouring Niger.
Putschists in Niger who carried out a military coup last year ordered both French and US troops to leave the West African country.
There have since been concerns in Nigeria that the two Western powers were mounting pressure on Nigeria to host the bases.
“The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Mr Idris said.
Neither the US nor France has publicly stated any plan to request Nigeria to host their military bases.
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