The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as false and misleading, an online report alleging that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an attempted military coup.
Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the report, which also linked the alleged development to the recent arrest of sixteen officers under investigation for professional misconduct, was malicious and aimed at creating tension and distrust among Nigerians.
“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 said.
According to him, the decision to cancel the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was taken to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and to allow the military sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
He explained that the investigation of the sixteen officers was a routine internal process to uphold discipline and professionalism in the Armed Forces.
“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course,” he said.
Gusau called on Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to ensure peace and stability across the country.
He stressed that the Federal Government, the legislature, and the judiciary were working closely to safeguard the nation’s security, development, and wellbeing, noting that “democracy is forever.”
The DHQ also urged the public to disregard falsehoods being circulated by what it described as purveyors of misinformation and enemies of the state.
“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 statement added.
