The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the military described the online publication circulating the claim as false, malicious, and intended to incite tension among Nigerians.
According to the statement, the suspension of the anniversary parade was a deliberate decision to allow President Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, while the Armed Forces focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the country.
“The publication’s claims are entirely baseless. The decision had nothing to do with any alleged coup plot. It was purely strategic and administrative,” the DHQ clarified.
Addressing reports about the arrest of 16 officers, Gusau explained that the matter is an internal process to uphold military discipline and professionalism. “An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public when concluded,” he added.
The Defence Headquarters also appealed to citizens to disregard false reports and continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to protect the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains loyal to the Constitution and committed to democratic governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement concluded.
