The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has firmly debunked reports claiming that the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described the reports circulating online as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.”
Gusau explained that the Independence Day parade was called off due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s participation in a high-level bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to maintain operational momentum in ongoing counterterrorism and anti-banditry operations across the country.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false,” the statement read. “There was no mention of any coup attempt in our previous communications. The aim of the false report is to sow distrust and panic among the populace.”
The DHQ also addressed reports of the arrest of sixteen military officers, clarifying that the development was related to professional misconduct and formed part of a routine internal disciplinary process.
According to the military, an investigative panel has been set up, and its findings will be made public once concluded.
Reassuring Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to democracy and constitutional order, the DHQ emphasized that the Armed Forces remain loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Constitution.
“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.
