THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and malicious an online report claiming that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an attempted coup.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, said the report also made unfounded references to the ongoing investigation of 16 army officers.
He stated that at no time did the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) mention or allude to any coup attempt, describing the publication as “a deliberate attempt to incite fear and distrust among citizens.”
According to Gusau, the decision to shelve the independence anniversary parade was taken to enable President Bola Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country. He added that the move was also to allow troops to sustain ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations across the nation.
The defence spokesperson further clarified that the investigation involving the 16 officers was a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the military. He assured that the outcome of the inquiry would be made public in due course.
“The DHQ urges Nigerians to disregard the false publication and continue to support the security forces in their efforts to protect lives and maintain peace,” Gusau said.
He reaffirmed that “the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the constitution and to the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu.”
