Defence Headquarters take action over alleged moves to overthrow Tinubu

The Defence Headquarters has announced its intention to pursue legal action in response to recent claims suggesting that the Guards Brigade was placed on high alert due to suspicious movements, hinting at a coup plot in Nigeria.

The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the allegation was entirely false and pointed out that the rumour seemed designed to stir unwarranted tension within the nation. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, clarified these points in a statement released on Sunday.

Gusau reiterated that the Guards Brigade has the mandated duty of safeguarding the seat of power (The Presidency), as well as the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings. He emphasized that the Brigade has consistently maintained a high state of readiness to effectively carry out its assigned responsibilities.

The statement called upon relevant security agencies to promptly address the source of the misinformation and take appropriate action. It also underscored the Defence Headquarters’ decision to pursue legal recourse against the issue, given its potential to cause unnecessary anxiety in the country.

The statement read: “The Defence Headquarters has been made aware of a baseless and malicious article circulated online by @SaharaReporters on 25 February 2024, alleging that the Guards Brigade was placed on high alert due to unusual activities, suggesting a coup plot in Nigeria. The publication further claimed that this suspicion led to an emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade.

“The Defence Headquarters unequivocally denies these claims. It must be clarified that the Guards Brigade is responsible for protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and the Federal Capital Territory along with its surroundings, as mandated by statute. Thus, it is important to note that the Brigade has always maintained a heightened state of readiness to carry out its duties effectively.

“It is worth recalling that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR, has consistently reaffirmed the unwavering dedication of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to upholding and preserving democracy in the country. Consequently, the Defence Headquarters vehemently condemns these baseless allegations, which are nothing but fabrications by the publisher, and urges the public to disregard them.

“Additionally, the Defence Headquarters calls upon relevant security agencies to swiftly address Sahara Reporters for their unpatriotic conduct. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters will pursue legal action concerning this issue, which appears to be motivated by an intent to create unnecessary unrest in the nation.”