The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged coup attempt, described such claims as false, malicious, and aimed at creating public tension.
An online publication had insinuated that the Independence Day events were called off due to a purported plot within the military. The report also cited the recent arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation by the military authorities.
However, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja and signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ said the insinuation was “entirely baseless,” stressed that the cancellation was to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and for troops to sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the country.
“The claims by the said publication are false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” the statement read. “The decision on the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was purely administrative.”
Gusau clarified that the ongoing investigation involving sixteen officers is a routine internal process to uphold discipline and professionalism within the Armed Forces, noting that a panel has been constituted and its findings will be made public.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the rumours and continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies in their ongoing efforts to safeguard the nation.
“Democracy is forever. 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 added.
