The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted a viral report claiming that some military officers attempted to overthrow the current administration, describing the allegation as “baseless, malicious, and aimed at causing public unrest.”
The report, originally published by Sahara Reporters, alleged that a coup plot was recently foiled and linked it to the ongoing disciplinary proceedings against 16 officers. The publication also claimed the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities was connected to the alleged plot.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ dismissed the claims as “entirely false and misleading.”
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged military coup,” the statement read in part.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
According to the DHQ, the decision to cancel the anniversary parade was purely administrative, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was scheduled to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad. The military also cited its focus on sustaining operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry as another reason for the cancellation.
Brig-Gen. Gusau clarified that the ongoing investigation involving 16 officers was a “routine internal process” to enforce discipline and professionalism. An investigative panel, he said, had already been set up, and its findings would be made public once concluded.
The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to disregard what it called “deliberate misinformation” spread by those seeking to sow distrust between the military and civilians.
“The military remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement emphasized.
Earlier this month, the DHQ confirmed that 16 officers had been arrested over acts of indiscipline and violations of service regulations. Preliminary findings suggested that their grievances were linked to issues of career stagnation and repeated failures in promotion examinations.
The statement added that once investigations are complete, any officers found guilty would face full disciplinary action in line with military procedures.
Reassuring citizens of its commitment to national stability, the DHQ reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would not condone any conduct that undermines its integrity or threatens democratic governance.
