The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and malicious the reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged coup attempt by certain military officers.
SaharaReporters had reported that 16 detained officers—ranging from Captain to Brigadier Generalwere arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government. The platform also claimed that the Independence Day parade, originally scheduled for October 1, was cancelled due to this purported coup plot.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, described these reports as attempts to stir tension and distrust among Nigerians.
“The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup,” the statement read in part.
“These claims are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
The DHQ clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was an administrative decision made to enable President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to allow military personnel to maintain momentum in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry nationwide.
“The decision was to enable Mr. President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, and to allow members of the Armed Forces to sustain their efforts in the fight against insecurity across the country,” Gusau said.
Regarding the detention of the 16 officers, the military emphasized that the issue is strictly disciplinary and is being handled internally through an investigative panel.
“The ongoing investigation is part of a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course,” the statement added.
Reaffirming the Armed Forces’ allegiance to the Constitution and democratic governance, the DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard rumours and continue supporting the nation’s security agencies.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” Brigadier General Gusau affirmed.
He further called on all citizens to unite in the pursuit of peace and national stability, noting the collective efforts of the executive, legislature, and judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s security, development, and well-being.
