The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has pushed back against claims that the federal government cancelled Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade because of an alleged coup plot, describing the report as false, malicious, and intended to cause panic.
Report not THEWHISTLER had linked the parade cancellation to the arrest of 16 military officers allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.
The officers, reportedly ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were said to have been picked up by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for holding secret meetings.
But the military swiftly dismissed the claims, saying the report was a dangerous fabrication aimed at sowing distrust among citizens.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.
The claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” the statement partly read.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, explained that the parade was cancelled purely for administrative reasons — not political intrigue.
According to him, the decision allowed President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and gave troops the opportunity to sustain pressure on insurgents and bandits across various theatres of operation.
“The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry,” Gusau stated.
On the issue of the 16 detained officers, the DHQ clarified that the arrests were unrelated to any coup attempt, but part of an internal disciplinary process.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks.
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement added.
The military reaffirmed its loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and dismissed speculations of disloyalty or political ambition within the ranks.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” Gusau stated.
He called on Nigerians to reject rumours designed to incite fear and to instead focus on peace and unity, insisting that the nation’s democratic institutions remain solid.
The DHQ’s reaction comes amid heightened public anxiety over recent arrests of personnel and concerns about political stability.
However, the military maintained that it would continue to safeguard democracy while confronting insecurity across the country.
