Military Denies Coup Allegations, Calls Online Report “False and Malicious”

ABUJA – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a strong rebuttal against an online report that linked the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged attempted military coup.

In a press release signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military high command described the publication as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

The DHQ clarified that the decision to cancel the anniversary activities was purely logistical and strategic. According to the statement, the cancellation was to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain their ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

The rebuttal also addressed the online report’s “spurious references” to the recent arrest of sixteen officers, emphasising that the individuals are simply part of a “routine internal process.” The DHQ stated that an investigative panel has been constituted to look into matters of professional misconduct and that its findings will be made public.

“The DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks,” the statement read.

The military reaffirmed its unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and the democratic government. The statement concluded with a call for public support, urging citizens to “disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation,” and asserting that “Democracy is forever.”