Nigerian Military Speaks on Report of Alleged Coup Against Tinubu

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of the 65th Independence Day parade to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In a statement issued on Saturday, the DHQ described the claims as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.”

The military confirmed that an investigative panel has been constituted to look into the conduct of 16 officers currently under investigation for alleged professional misconduct, adding that the panel’s findings would be made public. The DHQ clarified that the investigation was a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the Armed Forces, not evidence of a coup attempt.

Reports of an alleged coup plot first surfaced in late September after several officers were reportedly arrested. Sahara Reporters had linked the arrests—and the subsequent cancellation of the Independence Day parade—to the alleged plot. However, the DHQ insisted that the parade was called off for administrative reasons, citing President Tinubu’s attendance at a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and the need for the Armed Forces to focus on ongoing security operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false and mischievous,” the statement read. “The cancellation was purely administrative and has nothing to do with any alleged coup attempt.”

The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard what it called “falsehoods peddled by enemies of the nation,” reaffirming the military’s loyalty to the Constitution and the Federal Government under President Tinubu. It called on citizens to continue supporting security agencies in their efforts to safeguard the country, emphasizing that democracy in Nigeria “is forever.”

The statement was signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, Abuja.