The Federal Government has addressed the growing rumours surrounding an alleged coup attempt to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming its confidence in the Nigerian military and dismissing the reports as baseless.
Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government had “no reason to doubt the military” or question the Defence Headquarters’ position on the matter.
“The Federal Government believes that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain steadfast in their constitutional duties, especially in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and combating insecurity,” Idris stated. “We commend the military for their service and will continue to support them in maintaining peace and stability across the country.”
His remarks came after the Defence Headquarters released a statement on Saturday refuting claims by Sahara Reporters that 16 military officers were being detained over an alleged coup plot. The report had also linked the alleged plot to the recent cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, strongly dismissed the allegations, describing them as “fake news” meant to sow panic and mistrust among Nigerians. He clarified that the decision to cancel the October 1 parade was “purely administrative,” noting that President Tinubu was scheduled for an international engagement and that military personnel were needed to sustain ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.
“The report is false and misleading. It was intended to create unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” Gusau said. “Democracy is forever. The Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to democratic governance.”
Gusau also addressed the ongoing investigation involving the 16 officers mentioned in the report, explaining that it was a standard internal disciplinary process, not related to any coup plot. He assured Nigerians that the findings of the investigation would be made public upon completion.
Amid rising concerns over the wave of coups in parts of Africa—including Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—the Nigerian government has reiterated its stance on upholding democracy.
Political analysts have linked the resurgence of coups on the continent to a mix of internal political discontent and external interference. While some claim that foreign powers may be fueling anti-Western sentiments, others argue that corruption, poor governance, and public frustration remain the driving forces behind the support for military interventions.
In Nigeria’s case, however, both the Federal Government and the Defence Headquarters have made it clear: the country’s democracy stands firm, and there is no threat of a military takeover.
