The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, DHQ, on Thursday dismissed claims by the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, that FETO terrorists are still active in Nigeria.
Poroy had claimed that members a group designated as the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation are operating in Nigeria.
The ambassador who spoke at an event to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day in Abuja, alleged that the terrorist group is operating under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions.
Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, described the ambassador’s claim as unofficial.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Kangye said Nigeria cannot be distracted by claims not in line with its 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.”
The defence spokesman cautioned against unverified foreign narratives that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion.