The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vehemently denied reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged coup attempt by some military officers. In a strong-worded statement released on Saturday, the military high command described the reports as false, malicious, and deliberately crafted to incite public panic and sow distrust among citizens.
Recent reports published by an online media outlet had claimed that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) arrested 16 military officers — with ranks ranging from Captain to Brigadier General — over an alleged plot to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The report further alleged that the cancellation of the traditional Independence Day parade, usually held on October 1st, was directly linked to this purported coup attempt.
The Defence Headquarters, however, dismissed the allegations in their entirety. According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the publication lacks credibility and was designed to provoke unnecessary tension at a time when national unity and stability are paramount.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters 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 statement read. “The claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
Brigadier General Gusau explained that the decision to call off the annual parade and other ceremonial events was purely administrative and unconnected to any internal or external security threat. He noted that the change in plans was due to President Tinubu’s commitment to a high-level strategic bilateral meeting abroad — a development that required his presence outside the country during the celebrations.
Further justifying the cancellation, the DHQ emphasized the importance of allowing members of the Armed Forces to maintain the tempo of ongoing military operations across multiple regions battling terrorism, insurgency, and banditry. “The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr. President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry,” Gusau stated.
He reiterated that national security operations remain a top priority for the Nigerian military, and the decision was taken in the best interest of both governance and operational effectiveness.
The DHQ also addressed the controversial detention of the 16 military officers, which has been at the heart of speculation surrounding the alleged coup attempt. Contrary to the insinuations of subversion, the military clarified that the ongoing investigation involving the officers is a standard disciplinary procedure that falls within the internal mechanisms of the Armed Forces.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement noted.
While the military did not release specific details about the nature of the disciplinary infractions, it stressed that the matter is being handled with due diligence and in accordance with established military protocols. The emphasis, according to Gusau, is on upholding the professionalism and integrity that the Nigerian military has long been associated with.
These clarifications come amidst growing political and social anxieties in the country, fueled in part by a proliferation of misinformation and sensationalist reporting online. The military, well aware of the implications of such allegations, moved swiftly to affirm its unwavering loyalty to the Nigerian Constitution and the democratic government led by President Tinubu.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” Gusau said.
He urged the Nigerian public to disregard the “baseless” rumours and continue to support the military and other security agencies in their mission to safeguard the nation. “We appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to ignore these attempts to create panic. The executive, legislature, and judiciary are working together to ensure the safety, development, and well-being of all citizens,” he added.
This isn’t the first time that the Nigerian military has had to respond to rumours of unrest within its ranks. In a country with a long history of military coups — the most recent being in 1993 before the return to democracy in 1999 — any hint of insubordination or attempted mutiny often triggers deep concern within and outside the country.
However, in recent years, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have consistently reiterated their commitment to civilian rule and democratic processes. International observers and defence analysts have also noted a significant institutional shift within the Nigerian military away from political interference and toward professionalization and regional security leadership.
Still, the current political climate remains tense. President Tinubu’s administration, which came into office in May 2023 after a hotly contested election, continues to navigate a complex socio-economic landscape. From widespread inflation to a worsening security situation in parts of the north and middle belt, the administration has faced persistent pressure to deliver reforms while managing national unity.
The false coup narrative has only added to that pressure, prompting swift institutional responses aimed at reassuring citizens and foreign partners alike. Analysts say the prompt clarification from the DHQ was a strategic move to contain speculation and preserve confidence in Nigeria’s fragile democratic institutions.
Civil society groups have also weighed in on the issue, calling for responsible journalism and cautioning against the dangers of fake news. The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) issued a statement urging media practitioners to verify sensitive security reports before publication, especially those with potential to disrupt national peace and stability.
“The spread of misinformation, particularly regarding national security, has the capacity to cause real harm. The media must exercise responsibility and ensure due diligence in their reporting,” the CDD’s Director, Idayat Hassan, said.
Meanwhile, security experts have warned that unfounded coup rumours, even if false, can still embolden extremist elements and erode public trust in democratic institutions. The military, for its part, appears determined to prevent that scenario.
By addressing the issue head-on, reaffirming loyalty to the government, and committing to transparency in the disciplinary process of the detained officers, the Defence Headquarters hopes to close the chapter on what it has described as a “deliberate attempt to stoke unrest.”
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the findings of the military’s internal investigative panel. While the Armed Forces work to maintain operational discipline, national attention remains firmly fixed on the broader question of how Nigeria can continue to strengthen its democracy, ensure institutional integrity, and uphold the rule of law — even amid challenges.
As the statement concluded, “Democracy is forever.” For Nigeria, that affirmation is more than a slogan — it is a necessary commitment in the face of uncertainty.
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