The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an attempted military coup, describing the claim as false, malicious, and intended to create panic among citizens.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, on Saturday, the military said the report by an online publication falsely linked the Independence Day cancellation to the recent arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.
“The claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace,” the statement read.
According to the DHQ, the decision to suspend the anniversary parade was purely administrative, allowing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad while enabling the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
Clarifying the issue of the sixteen arrested officers, the DHQ explained that the investigation was a routine internal process to uphold discipline and professionalism within the ranks. “An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public,” Gusau added.
Reassuring Nigerians of the military’s loyalty, the statement emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to democratic governance and the Constitution.
“The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by purveyors of misinformation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” the statement concluded.
The DHQ further called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies as the Federal Government, legislature, and judiciary work together for the nation’s safety, peace, and development.
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PRESS RELEASE
DHQ NEVER MENTIONED ANY COUP ATTEMPT
1. The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a false and misleading report by an online publication insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup. The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.
2. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace. The decision regarding the cancellellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the AFN to sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
3. Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.
4. The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation. Democracy is forever.
5. The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. 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.
Signed:
TUKUR GUSAU
Brigadier General
Director Defence Information, Abuja
18 October 2025
