The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade was linked to an alleged attempted military coup, describing the claims as false, misleading, and aimed at inciting public anxiety.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the online publication as “entirely false, malicious and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.”
According to the statement, the decision to cancel the anniversary parade was taken for strategic and operational reasons, not due to any internal security concerns.
Gusau explained that the move was to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a crucial bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces sustain the momentum of ongoing counterterrorism and internal security operations across the country.
“The decision was purely strategic and had nothing to do with any alleged coup attempt,” the statement read.
Addressing reports linking the arrest of sixteen military officers to an alleged coup plot, the DHQ clarified that the detained personnel were being investigated for professional misconduct under standard military disciplinary procedures.
“The ongoing investigation is a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” Gusau stated. “An investigative panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public.”
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging citizens to disregard false narratives propagated by “enemies of the nation.”
“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.
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