Nigeria’s military has warned foreign governments against interfering in the country’s internal security affairs, saying external claims must never override national intelligence.
The warning came in response to remarks by Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, who alleged that the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), which Turkey proscribes, is operating within Nigeria through schools and healthcare institutions.
Poroy made the claim during a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday, July 15, to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day.
“The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates… particularly in the fields of education and healthcare,” he said.
He further stated that Turkey had been sharing intelligence with Nigeria and urged authorities to “remain vigilant and cautious.”
But Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters pushed back sharply on Thursday, July 16, insisting that such commentary is not only unofficial but could fuel unnecessary suspicion.
“Information from the person you are talking about, as far as Defence Headquarters is concerned, is an unofficial announcement.
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“Everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information,” said Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations.
He stressed that Nigeria will not adopt foreign narratives without its own thorough assessments.
“We cannot take what other people are saying about Nigeria and accept it without our own independent assessment,” Kangye said. “Nigeria knows what it is, and the Nigerian military has its own code of conduct and operational guidelines.”
The military spokesman also hinted at the risk of psychological operations and propaganda tactics being used by external actors to influence public perception.
“There are propagandists all over the world. Psychological oppressions go on everywhere. That’s why we must be vigilant,” he added.
Kangye underscored that while Nigeria maintains diplomatic ties and collaborates with international partners, decisions on counterterrorism and national security would always be made internally.
“Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” he declared. “While we value international cooperation, our security decisions will always reflect Nigeria’s status as a sovereign state.”