The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading a report alleging that Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary activities were cancelled due to an attempted coup plot.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the claim as “malicious” and aimed at causing unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) 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.
The report had claimed that some military officers were arrested in connection with a foiled coup attempt, sparking anxiety across the country.
However, Gusau clarified that the decision to cancel the anniversary parade was taken to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, while also allowing the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
He added that the ongoing investigation of sixteen officers mentioned in an earlier DHQ release was a routine internal disciplinary process and not related to any coup attempt.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” he said.
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public.”
Gusau reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to the Constitution and the Federal Government, urging citizens to disregard the “falsehood being circulated by enemies of the nation.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” the statement concluded.
