By John Umeh
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports of an alleged coup plot as baseless and malicious, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy remains intact and unshakable.
This followed a publication by Sahara Reporters claiming that 16 senior military officers, from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for holding secret meetings to topple the government. The report further linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade on October 1 to the alleged coup attempt.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described the allegations as falsehoods designed to incite panic and erode public trust in the Armed Forces.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The claims are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension,” Gusau stated.
He explained that the Independence Day parade was cancelled for two main reasons: to enable President Bola Tinubu attend a high-level bilateral meeting abroad and to allow military personnel to sustain ongoing nationwide operations against terrorism, banditry, and other threats.
On the detention of the 16 officers, Gusau clarified that the issue was purely disciplinary and part of an internal process to uphold professionalism within the ranks. An investigative panel, he said, had already been constituted and its findings would be made public in due time.
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Armed Forces, Gusau declared:
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever.”
He urged Nigerians to disregard rumours of instability and continue supporting the military in its constitutional role of defending the country and safeguarding national unity.
