Nigerian Military Flatly Denies Coup Plot Rumours
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has moved swiftly to quell national anxiety, strongly rejecting a recent online report that suggested a group of military officers had attempted to stage a coup against the current administration.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ labelled the viral claims as “entirely false” and designed to create unnecessary distrust and tension among the Nigerian public. The statement was a direct response to a sensational report published by an online newspaper, which had cited official disciplinary action against several military personnel as evidence of a wider, more sinister plot.
The military’s high command urged citizens to ignore the “falsehood” being circulated by what it referred to as “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.”
Clearing Up Misinformation
The online speculation had attempted to link the alleged coup plot to two recent, unrelated events: the cancellation of the parade for Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary and an ongoing internal investigation involving sixteen military officers. The DHQ provided clear, separate explanations for both issues.
Firstly, the DHQ stated unequivocally that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was not connected to any security threat or coup attempt. The reasons given were purely logistical and operational: to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, and crucially, to enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to “sustain the momentum on the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry” across the nation.
Routine Discipline, Not Rebellion
Secondly, the headquarters addressed the disciplinary action involving the sixteen officers, clarifying that the action is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring professionalism and maintaining discipline within the service ranks.
The officers are facing a full military disciplinary process for various breaches of service regulations and indiscipline. The DHQ explained that the core of their dissatisfaction stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation—specifically, repeated failures in mandatory promotion examinations—among other less serious issues. Furthermore, some of the individuals had already been under jurisdiction for various existing offences.
The DHQ stressed that this action is strictly disciplinary, internal, and in no way a response to any political or treasonable activity. An investigative panel has been properly constituted, and the findings of their inquiry will be made public once the process is complete.
Unwavering Loyalty to Democracy
In a powerful declaration intended to assure both local and international partners, the Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its absolute commitment to Nigeria’s democratic government.
The statement guaranteed 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.”
The DHQ added that the military is fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will maintain professionalism at all times. They also issued a stern warning, affirming that the AFN “will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.”
Finally, the military high command called on the Nigerian public to continue providing essential support to the security agents working to ensure the nation’s safety and wellbeing.
