By Cletus Nwankwo
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly dismissed recent claims by Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, alleging the existence of a new terror group operating within Nigeria under the guise of social services.
Poroy had asserted that the Fethullah terrorist organization, outlawed in Turkey, had migrated its operations to Nigeria through educational and healthcare fronts. In a swift rebuttal, Nigeria’s military authorities described the claim as unsubstantiated and misleading, affirming that there is no credible intelligence to support the presence of such a group on Nigerian soil.
The DHQ emphasized its ongoing surveillance and counter-terrorism efforts, assuring the public that national security remains a top priority amid rising concerns over foreign diplomatic assertions.
It said Nigeria is an independent nation capable of making its own decisions, particularly on security and counterterrorism matters, and not bound by foreign claims.
Poroy had during Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day, alleged that members of the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation are operating in Nigeria under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions.
According to him, “The presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operates… particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.”
Responding through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, on Thursday, the military high command said it does not recognise the claims as official or verified.
Kangye emphasized that Nigeria cannot be swayed by external commentary or claims that do not align with its own intelligence and national interest.
He said, “Information from the person you are talking about, as far as Defence Headquarters is concerned, is an unofficial announcement. Everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information.
“Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” Kangye said.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships with several countries, Kangye cautioned against accepting unverified foreign narratives, especially those that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion.
He emphasised that while Nigeria country values its international allies, its security decisions would always reflect its status as a sovereign state.
“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,” he said.
Kangye also pointed to the rise of global propaganda and psychological operations, suggesting that foreign assertions could be part of broader strategic manoeuvres.
“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.
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