CDS Christopher Musa.
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims by Mehmet Poroy, Turkey’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, regarding the presence of a supposed ‘FETO Terrorist Group’ in the country.
During a Thursday briefing on military operations in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the DHQ does not recognize these claims as official or substantiated.
Kangye emphasized Nigeria’s sovereignty, asserting that the nation is fully capable of making independent decisions, particularly on security and counterterrorism issues.
He was responding to remarks made by Poroy during a Tuesday dinner in Abuja commemorating Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day. Poroy alleged that the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) was active in Nigeria, operating under the cover of educational and healthcare institutions, posing a threat to any country where it operates.
Poroy reportedly urged Nigerian authorities to remain vigilant, claiming that Turkey had been briefing Nigeria on FETO’s alleged subversive activities.
Addressing journalists’ questions, Kangye described the ambassador’s statement as an unofficial claim, stressing that Nigeria would not be influenced by unverified external narratives.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and there is freedom of information. However, Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, makes decisions based on its own intelligence and national interests,” Kangye said.
He warned against accepting foreign claims that could undermine national integrity or foster suspicion, while acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military ties with various countries.
Kangye also highlighted the prevalence of global propaganda and psychological operations, suggesting that such foreign assertions might be part of broader strategic agendas.
“We cannot blindly accept external narratives about Nigeria without our own independent evaluation. The Nigerian military operates under its own code of conduct and guidelines,” he stated.
Kangye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism on its own terms, guided by internal intelligence and national priorities.
He underscored that, while valuing international partnerships, Nigeria’s security decisions will always reflect its sovereignty.
