Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa
In a strong rebuttal, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed recent coup rumours as unfounded and deliberately misleading.
The report, which surfaced online, falsely claimed that the cancellation of events marking the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary was tied to an alleged coup attempt.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, issued a statement on Saturday describing the publication as “false, malicious, and aimed at sowing panic and distrust among Nigerians.”
He emphasized that at no point did the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) mention, hint at, or even suggest a coup plot. “It is a fabricated narrative designed to mislead the public,” he stated.
Gusau clarified that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was a strategic one — made to allow President Bola Tinubu attend key bilateral engagements abroad, and to enable the military continue its nationwide counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts without distraction.
Addressing the mention of 16 army officers currently under investigation, Gusau explained that the process is purely administrative.
“It is a standard internal measure to reinforce discipline and professionalism — not connected in any way to any political motive,” he said, assuring that the outcome of the inquiry would be disclosed in due time.
Calling for calm, he urged Nigerians to disregard the falsehoods being circulated.
“The DHQ urges citizens to continue supporting the Armed Forces in their constitutional role of safeguarding lives and preserving national stability,” he added.
Reaffirming the military’s stance, Gusau concluded, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
