The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false, malicious, and misleading a report by an online platform claiming that the cancellation of events marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information (DDI), Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the publication’s claim that 16 senior military officers were arrested for plotting to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a fabrication intended to incite fear and sow distrust among citizens.
Gusau clarified that the DHQ’s October 4 announcement only stated that the affected officers were under investigation for acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations—not for any coup plot.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” he said.
He explained that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was based on the President’s scheduled strategic bilateral engagement outside the country and the need for troops to maintain operational momentum in ongoing military campaigns against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
According to him, the ongoing probe involving the sixteen officers is “a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks.” He added that an investigative panel had been constituted and its findings would be made public upon conclusion.
“The DHQ calls on all peace-loving Nigerians to continue to support the security agencies. The Federal Government, legislature, and judiciary are working closely to ensure the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the statement read.
Brig.-Gen. Gusau urged citizens to disregard the “falsehood being circulated by purveyors of misinformation,” assuring that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.