A Nigerian social critic, Mahdi Garba, has posted a video showing a military General addressing the press with a claim that it depicted the deployment of French military personnel in Nigeria.
He posted the video with a caption thus:
“END OF DENIAL: COMMENCEMENT OF FRANCE MILITARY DEPLOYMENT IN NIGERIA:”
The post alleged that the French military had begun deploying troops to Maiduguri in Borno State, to fight Boko Haram and establish military bases with the ulterior motive of exploiting Nigeria’s mineral resources.
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It has generated about 300,000 views with over 2,200 reposts and more than 2,200 likes as of December 16, 2024.
CLAIM
Video shows the deployment of French military troops in Nigeria.
THE FINDINGS
Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING.
The video shared by Mahdi actually shows a programme that took place on October 25, 2024 in Maiduguri, Borno State where the UK Government donated advanced Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to Nigeria’s Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) Theatre Command.
Counter-IED equipment is created primarily for military and law enforcement. They are used for standoff detection of explosives and explosive precursor components and defeating Improvised Explosives Devices.
This donation, handed over to Waidi Shuaibu, the Nigerian military’s Theatre Commander, included specialized tools and equipment designed to detect and neutralize IEDs, enhancing the Nigerian military’s operational capabilities.
Representatives of the British Defence Staff West Africa and Nigerian senior military officials attended the event, reinforcing the partnership between the UK and Nigeria.
No evidence or official announcement supports claims of French military involvement or bases in Nigeria, specifically in the Northeastern region.
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The video posted by Mahdi was cut in the middle, leaving out crucial context. News Central posted an extended version of the video on October 27, 2024, which clearly shows that the event was related to the UK donation. Punch newspaper also reported the event, confirming the same.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) in the video was briefing the press about the donation of the IED materials, saying it would go a long way in supporting military operations.
THE VERDICT
The claim that the video shows the deployment of the French military in Nigeria is MISLEADING. The video indicates the UK government’s donation to Nigerian military forces, not French military involvement.
Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.
