The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims by the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, of an existing ‘FETO Terrorist Group’ in the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, while briefing newsmen on military operations on Thursday in Abuja said the DHQ does not recognise the claims as official or verified.
Kangye maintained that Nigeria remains an independent nation capable of making its own decisions, particularly on security and counterterrorism matters.
“This is in response to the recent comments by the Ambassador alleging that members of a group designated as Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) were operating in Nigeria under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions.
Kangye said that Poroy made the claimed that FETO had an active presence in Nigeria at a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day,
According to Poroy, the presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operate, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.
Kangye also quoted Poroy saying that Turkey had continued to brief Nigeria on what it views as the group’s subversive activities and urged Nigerian authorities to remain `vigilant and cautious’.
Responding to questions from journalists, the defence spokesman said the claim was an unofficial pronouncement.
According to Kangye, everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information.
“Nigeria cannot be swayed by external commentary or claims that do not align with its own intelligence and national interest.
“Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” he said.
Kangye cautioned against accepting unverified foreign narratives, especially those that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion, acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships with several countries.
He also pointed to the rise of global propaganda and psychological operations, suggesting that foreign assertions could be part of broader strategic maneuvers.
“We cannot take what other people are saying about Nigeria and accept it without our own independent assessment. Nigeria knows what it is, and the Nigerian military has its own code of conduct and operational guidelines.
“There are propagandists all over the world. Psychological oppressions go on everywhere. That’s why we must be vigilant,” he added.
Kangye, however, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism on its own terms, guided by national priorities and internal intelligence.
He reiterated that while the country values its international allies, its security decisions would always reflect its status as a sovereign state.
Soldiers reject N13.7m bribe from terrorists – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of Operation Safe Haven rejected a bribe of N13.7 million offered by terrorists during an operation along the Jos-Sanga Road in Plateau.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing journalists on military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.
Kangye said the troops had responded to a distress call about terrorist activities when they intercepted two terrorists who attempted to bribe them with N13.7 million.
He added that the troops also conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East Local Government Areas(LGAs) of Plateau.
According to him, the troops similarly conducted offensive operations in Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State.
He said during the operations, the troops engaged extremists, killed some, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued three kidnapped victims.
“Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.
“Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven while on routine patrol arrested seven militias/criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna States respectively.
“Items recovered from them were weapons, ammunition and motorcycles as well as illicit drugs.
“On July 9, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos, Sanga Road. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, which they declined.”
He said, “Troops arrested two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of N13.7 million from them.
“While the investigation is ongoing, the recovered items are in the custody of the troops,” he said.
Kangye commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism in apprehending the criminals.
“As the Nigerian military intensifies efforts to conclude these operations, I urge the public to continue cooperating with security agencies, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“The support of all Nigerians, including the media, is crucial to the overall success of our mission.
“We will continue to provide timely updates and ensure transparency throughout the operation,” he added.