The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed a report by an online publication alleging that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an attempted military coup.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the report as false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.
According to the statement, the decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was purely due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled participation in a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, as well as to enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
The DHQ also clarified that the arrest of sixteen officers recently announced in a press release had no connection to any coup plot. It explained that the officers were being investigated for professional misconduct through a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the military.
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement added.
While urging Nigerians to disregard the falsehood being circulated, the DHQ reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
It further called on peace-loving citizens to continue supporting security agencies, assuring that the Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely to ensure the nation’s safety, development, and stability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains loyal to democracy. Democracy is forever,” the statement concluded.
