The Defence Headquarters has denied reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s Independence Day activities to an alleged coup plot, describing the claims as “false and malicious.”
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed an online report alleging that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an attempted coup.
In a statement on Saturday, Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the story was a deliberate attempt to cause panic and distrust.
He clarified that the Armed Forces of Nigeria “never at any time mentioned or alluded to a coup attempt.”
Gusau explained that the parade was shelved to allow President Bola Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable troops sustain counter-terrorism operations nationwide.
He said the probe of 16 officers was “a routine internal process” to uphold professionalism, adding that its outcome would be made public.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” Gusau said.