The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent claims by the Turkish government about the presence of a new terror group, the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO), operating in Nigeria.

Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation, fully capable of handling its security and counterterrorism affairs independently.

The response came after Turkish Ambassador-designate, Mehmet Poroy, alleged at a recent event in Abuja that FETO members were operating under the cover of educational and healthcare institutions in Nigeria.

 “As far as the Defence Headquarters is concerned, that’s not an official or verified announcement,” Kangye said, adding that external narratives won't dictate Nigeria’s security policies.

He warned against the influence of foreign propaganda and emphasized that Nigeria’s security agencies conduct their own independent assessments based on national intelligence.

 “We cannot accept what others say about Nigeria without our own verification… Nigeria knows what it is,” he stated.

Kangye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism on its own terms, while maintaining diplomatic relations without compromising national integrity.