The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted claims linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged military coup plot, calling the reports false, misleading, and designed to incite unnecessary tension.
In a statement t on Saturday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, clarified that the decision to cancel the parade was purely administrative.
He explained that it was made to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a critical bilateral meeting abroad while enabling military personnel to focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
Gusau emphasized that the allegations of a coup attempt were baseless and malicious, stating, “The report is entirely false and intended to create distrust among Nigerians.”
He reassured the public that the Armed Forces remain loyal to the Constitution and the democratic government under President Tinubu’s leadership.
Addressing the recent arrest of 16 military officers, the DHQ clarified that the detentions were part of a routine internal disciplinary process aimed at maintaining professionalism within the ranks.
An investigative panel has been established to examine the matter, and its findings will be made public upon conclusion.
Reiterating its commitment to democracy, the DHQ urged Nigerians to ignore what it described as the work of “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the nation.”
The statement concluded with a call for calm and public support for security agencies, affirming, “Democracy is forever, and the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain steadfast in their constitutional responsibilities.”