Coup Rumour Baseless, Malicious, Says DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false, misleading, and malicious an online report alleging that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an attempted military coup.
In a statement on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, described the publication as a deliberate act of misinformation aimed at causing unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.
General Gusau clarified that the decision to cancel this year’s anniversary parade was purely administrative and had nothing to do with any alleged plot within the Armed Forces.
According to him, the cancellation was to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and to allow military personnel sustain momentum in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry nationwide.
“The report is entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” the statement read.
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“The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.”
The DHQ also addressed claims linking the alleged coup to the recent arrest of sixteen military officers, explaining that the ongoing investigation involving the officers is a routine internal process to ensure discipline and professionalism within the ranks. Gusau noted that an investigative panel has been constituted and that its findings will be made public upon completion.
Reassuring Nigerians of the military’s loyalty, the DHQ urged the public to disregard the falsehood being spread by what it called “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the nation.” It emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly committed to the Constitution and to the democratic government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Federal Government, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well-being of the nation,” the statement continued. “Democracy is forever.”
The DHQ, therefore, called on citizens to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the country, reiterating that the Nigerian military will not be distracted from its constitutional responsibilities.
By PRNigeria
