In a strongly worded rebuttal that sent shockwaves across the country, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied swirling rumours of an attempted military coup, branding the reports as “entirely false, malicious, and misleading.”
The rumour, first propagated by online outlet Sahara Reporters, claimed that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day celebration was linked to a coup plot involving sixteen detained senior military officers. But the DHQ, in a statement issued Saturday by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, firmly rejected the allegations, stressing that the claims were designed to sow “unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust,” Gusau said. “The cancellation of the 65th independence anniversary parade was due to President Tinubu’s strategic bilateral engagements abroad and to enable the military sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.”
Brig. Gen. Gusau further clarified that the investigation involving the 16 officers is part of a “routine internal process” focused on upholding discipline and professionalism within the military ranks.
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” he added.
In what appears to be a bid to reassure a jittery public, the DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to democracy, the Nigerian Constitution, and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement emphasized.
The DHQ called on Nigerians to disregard what it described as the handiwork of “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the nation,” while urging citizens to continue supporting security agencies and democratic institutions.
Tension had been brewing following the online report that no fewer than 16 senior military officers were detained in Abuja over an alleged plot to oust President Tinubu — a claim that directly contradicts official statements attributing the detentions to failed promotion exams and career stagnation.
While the full details surrounding the detention of the officers remain under wraps pending the panel's findings, the military's emphatic dismissal of a coup attempt marks a significant move to reassure the nation and preserve democratic stability.
