By DAYO ADESULU
ABUJA, Nigeria — The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports alleging that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an attempted military coup.
In a statement on Thursday, the DHQ described the online publication circulating the claim as “false, malicious, and designed to incite public fear and distrust.”
According to the military high command, the decision to cancel the anniversary parade was purely strategic — to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend an important bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces sustain their ongoing counterterrorism and internal security operations across the country.
“The claims are entirely false and intended to cause unnecessary tension. The cancellation of the parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic meeting outside the country and to maintain focus on the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry,” the statement clarified.
The DHQ also addressed reports linking the arrest of sixteen military officers to an alleged coup plot, explaining that the officers were being investigated internally for professional misconduct, not subversive activities.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism. A panel has been constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the DHQ said.
Reassuring Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ loyalty to democratic governance, the statement emphasized that the military remains committed to upholding the Constitution and supporting the elected government.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains loyal to the Constitution and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Democracy is forever,” the DHQ reaffirmed.
The DHQ urged citizens to disregard false reports and continue supporting security agencies working for the nation’s peace and stability.
