The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims by an online publication linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged military coup attempt. The report suggested 16 officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency for planning a coup through covert meetings.
In a statement, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, dismissed the claims as false and malicious, intended to sow tension and distrust. He clarified that the parade was canceled to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to support ongoing military efforts against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
The DHQ described the investigation of the 16 officers as a routine process to maintain discipline and professionalism, with an investigative panel’s findings to be made public. The military reaffirmed its loyalty to Nigeria’s Constitution and President Tinubu, urging citizens to ignore misinformation and support security agencies, emphasizing that the government, legislature, and judiciary are united for national safety and development.
