By our correspondent
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly denied reports alleging a planned military coup in Nigeria, describing the claims as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
This comes in response to an online publication that linked the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged plot to overthrow the government. The report also claimed that sixteen detained military officers were involved in the purported plot.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 18, and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled attendance at a strategic bilateral meeting abroad. The military also cited the need for armed forces to maintain focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false,” the statement read. “The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.”
Brigadier General Gusau further clarified that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a standard internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the ranks.
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” he said.
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to disregard the circulating misinformation and reaffirmed the military’s unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and the civilian government.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement emphasized.
The DHQ also appealed to citizens to continue supporting security agencies, while assuring that democracy in Nigeria remains strong and secure.
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