By Obinna Uballa
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading reports suggesting that activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary were cancelled due to an alleged coup plot.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, and titled “DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt,” the military authorities on Saturday urged Nigerians to disregard the “malicious and tension-inducing claims” circulating in sections of the media.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup,” the statement read in part.
According to Gusau, the decision to cancel the parade was simply to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, and to enable the Armed Forces sustain the tempo of ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” the statement added.
Gusau reaffirmed that 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.”
He explained that the ongoing investigation involving sixteen officers was “a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” and not connected to any coup attempt. An investigative panel, he added, has been constituted and its findings would be made public.
“The Federal Government, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and wellbeing of the nation. Democracy is forever,” the Defence Headquarters declared.
Background: 20 Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot
The DHQ clarification comes amid reports that about 20 military officers, including a brigadier general and a colonel, were recently detained for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Tinubu.
According to security sources cited by Sahara Reporters and Premium Times, the officers were arrested in late September after intelligence indicated that they had been holding secret meetings and expressing dissatisfaction with the administration.
“The report is true,” one senior military insider told Premium Times. “More officers have been picked up since the initial arrests.”
The officers were alleged to have planned a “bloody putsch” in which top government officials were marked for assassination before the plot was uncovered. The leak reportedly caused panic in government circles, leading to the quiet cancellation of the Independence Day parade on October 1, a claim now denied by Defence Headquarters.
An investigative panel, comprising representatives of the army, navy, air force, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), was subsequently set up to examine what officials described as “indiscipline and breach of service regulations.”
Preliminary findings, according to Brigadier General Gusau, suggested that some of the detained officers’ grievances stemmed from “career stagnation and repeated failure in promotion examinations.”
“The indicted officers will face full military disciplinary procedures in line with established regulations,” Gusau said, emphasising that the military remains steadfastly committed to professionalism and loyalty to democratic governance.
Regional Context
The development comes amid widespread public frustration over worsening economic conditions in Nigeria and follows a wave of military takeovers across Africa, the latest being in Madagascar, bringing the number of coups on the continent since 2020 to nine.
Despite growing speculation, the Defence Headquarters insists there is no cause for alarm, urging citizens to “continue to support the Armed Forces in safeguarding democracy and national stability.”
