Defence Headquarters denies coup attempt
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria has issued a statement firmly rejecting reports that the national Independence Day parade was cancelled due to a military coup attempt. According to the DHQ, the publication suggesting such a link is “false and malicious,” and the cancellation of the parade marking Nigeria’s 65th anniversary was not connected to any plot to overthrow the government.
In the statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ clarified that decisions around the cancellation were made to accommodate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s attendance at a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to ensure the Armed Forces could maintain focus on ongoing counter-terrorism and security operations. The DHQ added that the arrests of sixteen officers under investigation for professional misconduct are purely internal disciplinary matters, and have no connection with any coup plotting.
Reaction among the Nigerian public has been mixed. Some observers praised the prompt clarification by the DHQ as a move to prevent panic and misinformation. Others remain sceptical of the official version, noting the country’s history of military interventions and the opacity that sometimes surrounds security-related issues. Regardless, the DHQ’s message is clear: there was no coup, the parade cancellation was purposeful and strategic, and the military remains loyal to the constitution and civilian leadership
