No coup attempt in Nigeria — DHQ refutes claims

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as misleading and false a report by an online publication suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.

According to the report, sixteen military officers—ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General—were allegedly detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for holding secret meetings to plan a coup against the government.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) described the claims as “entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among citizens.”

The DHQ clarified that the Independence Day parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral engagement abroad and to enable the military to maintain focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

The statement further explained that the investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism within the Armed Forces. It added that an investigative panel has been constituted and that its findings will be made public once the process is concluded.

The DHQ appealed to Nigerians to disregard the false report and continue to support security agencies, emphasizing that the Federal Government, legislature, and judiciary are working together to ensure national safety, development, and stability.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement concluded.