The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as baseless a report by an online publication which claimed that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was on account of an alleged attempted military coup.
Sahara Reporters had claimed that 16 military officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General, were taken into custody by the Defence Intelligence Agency over alleged involvement in covert meetings to topple the Bola Tinubu government.
But in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, on Saturday in Abuja, the Armed Forces of Nigeria categorically stated that the claims made by the publication were entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.
The statement explained that the decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was made to allow President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, and to enable members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain momentum in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
The DHQ acknowledged detention of 16 officers but added that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the military ranks.
It added that an investigative panel has been duly constituted and that its findings will be made public upon conclusion.
The DHQ called on all peace-loving citizens to continue supporting security agencies, stating: “The Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains 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,” the statement said.
