The Defence Headquarters has described as false and malicious an online report linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged coup attempt by military officers.
In a statement on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military high command said the publication was “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
The DHQ was responding to a report by Sahara Reporters which claimed that 16 detained officers were arrested for holding secret meetings to topple the government and that this led to the cancellation of the October 1 Independence Day parade.
Brig Gen Gusau explained that the decision to cancel the parade was purely administrative, taken “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.”
Regarding the detention of the 16 officers, which was previously reported, the DHQ clarified that the matter is a routine internal disciplinary process. “The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks,” Gusau stated. “An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public.”
Reaffirming the military’s unwavering commitment to democracy, the statement concluded with a powerful declaration: “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.”
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to disregard the rumours and continue to support the nation’s security agencies in their efforts to ensure peace and stability.
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