The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed as “false and malicious” a media report suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was connected to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the DHQ described the online publication as “deliberately misleading” and aimed at creating fear, distrust, and unnecessary tension in the country.
According to the statement, the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade had nothing to do with any coup attempt. Rather, it was taken to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, while allowing members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain ongoing military operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
The DHQ also clarified that the recent arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation was a normal internal disciplinary process — not connected to any subversive activity as insinuated by the publication. An investigative panel, it said, has already been constituted to review the case, and its findings will be made public when concluded.
Reassuring Nigerians of the military’s commitment to democracy, the DHQ emphasized that the Armed Forces remain fully loyal to the Constitution and to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain professional, apolitical, and firmly committed to the unity and stability of our country,” the statement read.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard the “falsehood being spread by enemies of the nation” and continue to support the military and other security agencies in their efforts to safeguard lives and preserve national peace.
“Democracy is forever,” the statement concluded.
Below is full text of the Defense Headquarters statement:
PRESS RELEASE
DHQ NEVER MENTIONED ANY COUP ATTEMPT
1. 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.
2. 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. The decision regarding the cancellation of 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow Mr President 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.
3. Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.
4. The DHQ calls on all peace loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The FG, the legislature and the judiciary are working closely for the safety, development and well being of the nation. Democracy is forever.
5. The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation. 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.
Signed:
TUKUR GUSAU
Brigadier General
Director Defence Information, Abuja
18 October 2025
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