Says detained officers under routine disciplinary probe, not linked to any overthrow attempt
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports claiming that some senior Nigerian military officers were arrested over an alleged coup plot, describing the story as false, malicious, and deliberately aimed at causing public tension.
An online publication had alleged that 16 officers, ranging from Captain to Brigadier General, were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The report also claimed that the purported plot was linked to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade.
However, in a statement on Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, refuted the allegations, clarifying that the decision to cancel the parade had nothing to do with any coup attempt.
According to him, “The decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was to allow Mr President to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.”
Gusau explained that the 16 officers mentioned in the report were only subjects of an internal disciplinary process, not a coup-related investigation.
“The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism are maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public,” he stated.
Reaffirming the military’s steadfast commitment to democracy, Gusau emphasized that the Armed Forces remain loyal to the Nigerian Constitution and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu. Democracy is forever,” he declared.
The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard such rumours and continue supporting security agencies in their mission to maintain peace, unity, and national stability.