The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a strong denial against what it calls “false and malicious” reports of a coup attempt within the Nigerian military, labelling them a calculated effort to sow public discord.
The rebuttal came in response to an online publication that alleged the arrest of 16 senior military officers, from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for an alleged plot to unseat the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The report had also connected the recent cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade to the purported plot.
In an official statement released on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, refuted these claims. He clarified that the parade’s cancellation was purely to allow President Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to maintain their focus on ongoing security operations.
“The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry,” Gusau explained.
Addressing the alleged arrest of the 16 officers, Brigadier General Gusau stated they are simply facing a routine internal disciplinary process, entirely unrelated to any coup plot.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” he stated.
Reaffirming the military’s steadfast commitment to democratic rule, the Defence spokesperson declared the Armed Forces’ loyalty to the Constitution and the present administration.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” he declared.
The DHQ has urged the public to disregard the rumours and continue to support security agencies in their mission to ensure the nation’s peace and stability.