Defence Ministry Clarifies Counterterrorism Pact with Turkey, Debunks ‘Jihad’ Allegation
The Federal Government has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming that Nigeria signed a counterterrorism cooperation agreement with Turkey aimed at “institutionalising jihad” across the country.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), in a statement issued through his media aide, Colonel Timothy Antigha (rtd.), described the viral claims as a deliberate attempt to discredit legitimate efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s counterterrorism capacity.
The statement noted that the allegation, widely circulated on social media, was not only unfounded but also raises serious concerns about the motives behind efforts to undermine national security initiatives.
“This attempt to discredit a legitimate and commendable effort by the government to build capacity in counterterrorism is disturbing and misleading,” the statement said.
The Defence Ministry emphasised that Nigeria’s collaboration with international partners in combating terrorism dates back over a decade, particularly in response to the Boko Haram insurgency since 2009.
It highlighted past initiatives under successive administrations, including:
The revitalisation of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) involving Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin.
Bilateral defence agreements with neighbouring countries to enable intelligence sharing and joint military operations.
Strategic support from global partners such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France through training, surveillance, and intelligence coordination.
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Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the statement added, Nigeria strengthened its counterterrorism framework through additional agreements, including the acquisition of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the United States and defence cooperation with Turkey, which supplied drones for operations in the North-East.
The Ministry clarified that Nigeria’s engagement with Turkey is based strictly on strategic and operational considerations, not religious sentiments.
It noted that Turkey, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), possesses advanced defence capabilities and extensive experience in counterterrorism operations spanning several decades.
“Turkey’s experience in counterterrorism is well established, and its defence industry supports multiple countries globally. The partnership is grounded in professional and strategic considerations,” the statement said.
The government also dismissed insinuations that the agreement would lead to the establishment of foreign military bases in Nigeria, stressing that no such plan exists.
It assured Nigerians that all international partnerships are guided by national interest and subject to appropriate safeguards.
The Defence Ministry urged citizens to disregard unverified claims and avoid narratives capable of creating fear, division, or mistrust.
It called for continued public support for ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and strengthen national security.
“Nigerians should discountenance unsubstantiated claims and support the government’s determination to eliminate all threats to national security,” the statement added.
The clarification comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to enhance security cooperation with international partners and address evolving threats across the country.
By PRNigeria
