The widespread media reports of an attempted plot by the military to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government has been dismissed by the Defence Headquarters, (DHQ) describing them as false and misleading.
Debunking reports of the alleged coup plot, the DHQ, in a statement on Saturday signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said, “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.
“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.”
Gusau explained that the decision regarding the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow President Bola Tinubu to 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.
While reassuring Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the 16 officers was a routine internal process aimed at ensuring that discipline and professionalism were maintained within the ranks, the DHQ stated that an investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.
The DHQ has, therefore, called on all peace-loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents.
It stated that the Federal Government (FG), the legislature and the judiciary were working closely for the safety, development and well-being of the nation to ensure that democracy is observed forever in the country.
The DHQ consequently enjoined members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the nation, stressing that “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”.