The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed rumours that Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade was cancelled because of a planned military coup.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ described the reports as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.”

According to the statement, the cancellation was simply to allow President Bola Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable troops sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the country.

The military also clarified that the sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct have no connection to any coup plot. “It is a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the ranks,” the DHQ explained.

The defence authorities stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully loyal to President Tinubu and the Constitution. “Democracy is forever,” the statement affirmed, urging citizens to disregard the rumours and continue supporting the nation’s security agencies.

Statement from the Defence Office

The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) 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 report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) 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 decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was made to allow the President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

Furthermore, 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 is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public.

The DHQ calls on all peace-loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever.

The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. 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 Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Could this wave of misinformation be part of a larger attempt to undermine confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions?