The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly denied online reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade to an alleged attempted military coup, describing the claims as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.”
In a strongly worded statement released on Saturday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, dismissed the allegations as baseless and clarified that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade was due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation in a high-level bilateral meeting abroad, and to allow the Armed Forces to maintain operational momentum in the fight 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. “There was no mention of any coup attempt in our previous communications. The aim of the false report is to sow distrust and panic among the populace.”
The DHQ also addressed the recent arrest of sixteen military officers, which had been referenced in the speculative report. It clarified that the arrests were related to professional misconduct and are part of a routine internal disciplinary process. An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public upon conclusion.
Reassuring Nigerians of the military’s continued commitment to democracy and constitutional order, the DHQ emphasized that the Armed Forces remain loyal to the government of President Tinubu.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement reiterated.
The DHQ called on Nigerians to ignore the misinformation and continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the nation.
“Democracy is forever,” the statement concluded.
