Military Denies Coup Attempt Report Calls It False And Misleading

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating online about an alleged attempted military coup in Nigeria, describing the report as false, malicious, and intended to cause public panic.

In a statement released in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Armed Forces of Nigeria said there was no truth to the report linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to a supposed coup plot.

The statement clarified that the decision to cancel the parade was made to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral engagement outside the country and to allow the military focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

It also addressed claims that 16 officers were arrested in connection with the alleged coup. The DHQ explained that the officers were only being investigated for professional misconduct as part of an internal disciplinary process, which it described as routine in the armed forces.

According to the statement, an investigative panel has been set up to review the cases, and its findings will be made public once the process is complete.

The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard the false report, reaffirming the military’s unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and to President Tinubu as Commander-in-Chief. It assured that the armed forces remain committed to democracy, national unity, and the protection of citizens.

The statement also called on the public to continue supporting the military and other security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the country, warning against spreading misinformation that could cause unnecessary tension.

The rebuttal followed a report by an online platform that claimed 16 senior military officers, allegedly led by a brigadier general, were being detained for plotting to overthrow the government.

The DHQ described the claim as baseless and said it was another attempt by “enemies of the nation” to create fear and distrust among Nigerians.