— Says Arrested Officers Under Routine Investigation, Not Linked to Any Coup Plot
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading a viral report claiming that the recent cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities was due to an alleged attempt to stage a military coup.
In a statement issued on Saturday, 18th October, 2025, by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the military described the publication as “entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
According to the DHQ, the decision to suspend the Independence Day parade was made to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral engagement outside the country and to allow the Armed Forces sustain its momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
The statement clarified that the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation had nothing to do with any coup attempt but was part of a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks.”
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” the statement added.
Reassuring Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to democracy, the DHQ affirmed 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.”
The military urged the public to disregard the rumours and continue to support security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the nation.
“Democracy is forever,” the statement emphasized.
