The Defence Headquarters has strongly refuted online reports suggesting that Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations were cancelled due to an alleged military coup plot, describing the claims as false and deliberately misleading.
In a statement titled “DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt” and issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military leadership categorically denied any connection between the cancelled Independence parade and the ongoing investigation of sixteen officers for professional misconduct.
The Defence Headquarters characterized the online publication’s allegations as malicious and designed to create unnecessary tension and undermine public trust in the armed forces. Military authorities emphasized that the claims were entirely without foundation and represented a dangerous attempt to spread misinformation.
According to the statement, the decision to cancel the October 1 independence anniversary parade was made for two practical reasons: to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad, and to allow military personnel to maintain operational focus on ongoing counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and anti-banditry campaigns across the country.
The DHQ clarified that the investigation involving the sixteen officers is a standard internal procedure aimed at upholding discipline and professional standards within military ranks. An investigative panel has been established to review the matter, and the Defence Headquarters pledged to make the panel’s findings public once the process is complete.
The military leadership used the statement to reaffirm the Armed Forces’ unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and the federal government under President Tinubu’s command. Officials stressed that the military remains committed to its constitutional role and dismissed any insinuation of disloyalty or subversive activities.
Brigadier General Gusau called on Nigerians to disregard the false information being circulated by what he termed “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the nation.” He urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies as they work to protect the country.
The statement also highlighted the collaborative relationship between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government in ensuring national safety, development, and wellbeing. The Defence Headquarters concluded with a declaration that “democracy is forever,” underscoring the military’s commitment to democratic governance.
The Federal government’s last-minute cancellation of the Independence Day parade just hours before October 1 had sparked speculation and various theories on social media platforms. The Defence Headquarters’ statement appears aimed at putting to rest the most serious of these allegations while providing official context for the controversial decision.
Military authorities have encouraged peace-loving citizens to maintain their support for security operations and to resist attempts by malicious actors to sow discord through the spread of unverified information.
