DHQ Denies Alleged Coup Plot, Says Independence Parade Cancellation Misrepresented

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and malicious an online report linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the publication as “entirely false, misleading and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.”
According to the statement, the decision to cancel the anniversary parade was purely strategic and had nothing to do with any internal security issue. Gusau explained that the cancellation was made to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a crucial bilateral meeting abroad and to allow the Armed Forces sustain the tempo of ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
Reacting to claims that the arrest of sixteen military officers was connected to a coup attempt, the DHQ clarified that the affected officers were being investigated for professional misconduct in line with internal disciplinary procedures.
“The ongoing investigation is a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” the statement said. “An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public.”
Reaffirming the loyalty of the Armed Forces to democratic governance, the DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard what it called “falsehoods being circulated by enemies of the nation,” while assuring that the military remains committed to constitutional order and the leadership 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, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement concluded