“Nigeria Can Think for Itself” — DHQ Slams Turkish Government Over FETO Allegation

In a sharp rebuttal that underscores Nigeria’s sovereignty and intelligence autonomy, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent claims made by Turkish envoy Mehmet Poroy, who alleged that a terrorist network known as the Fethullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) is operating inside Nigeria under the guise of education and healthcare.

Poroy, Turkey’s ambassador-designate to Nigeria, made the explosive claim during a ceremony commemorating the July 15 failed coup attempt in Turkey, orchestrated—according to Ankara—by FETO.

The Turkish government has since labeled FETO a global terrorist movement, accusing it of embedding itself in foreign nations through “front institutions” like schools and NGOs.

During the event, Poroy warned that Nigeria was one of the countries where this group was quietly expanding its influence.

But Nigeria isn’t having it.

In a strongly-worded response, the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka stated categorically that there is no official record or credible intelligence indicating the presence of any organization operating under the FETO name within Nigeria.

The centre assured Nigerians that the situation is being closely monitored and there is no cause for alarm.

The DHQ, speaking through top military sources, echoed the NCTC's stance and emphasized that Nigeria remains capable of identifying and addressing its internal and external security threats without relying on foreign speculation. “Nigeria can think for itself,” one top official said plainly.

This exchange isn’t just a diplomatic war of words—it’s a telling moment in global geopolitics, where foreign governments often seek influence under the guise of intelligence sharing.

Nigerian officials believe Turkey’s warning could be politically motivated, especially given Ankara’s aggressive international campaign to discredit FETO affiliates globally.

Recall that the Turkish government has, for years, pressured other nations to shut down institutions allegedly linked to Fethullah Gülen, the exiled cleric believed to be the mastermind of the 2016 coup attempt.

While countries like Pakistan, Somalia, and even parts of the Balkans have complied, Nigeria has so far resisted, choosing instead to rely on its own national assessments.

Analysts warn that Nigeria must tread cautiously. “This could either be a genuine security concern or a diplomatic overreach disguised as anti-terrorism,” said one Lagos-based international relations expert. “What matters now is how Nigeria asserts its independence without compromising regional partnerships.”

For many Nigerians already fatigued by economic hardship, banditry, and terrorism from groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, the idea of a “new” foreign terror network sounds far-fetched. “Let Turkey fight its enemies. We have enough of our own,” a popular Twitter user commented.

As the story continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Nigeria will not allow itself to be railroaded by foreign panic. The Defence Headquarters has drawn a line, and for now, that line says FETO is not on Nigerian soil—until Nigeria itself confirms otherwise.

Stay with Busterblog.com for more updates on this developing story.