19th October 2025, NewsOrient, Law And Society, Governance And Development, News

The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria, has refuted report of failed 65th Independence Anniversary military coup to topple the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Defence Headquarters said the report on the alleged military coup, broken by an online news medium, was not true.

A statement, signed by the Director Defence Information,
Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, called on Nigerians to disregard such reports.

The online report had linked the cancellation of parade to mark the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary with the alleged plot it said was planned for that day.

The online report also hinted that at least 16 security officers have been arrested and detained in connection with the alleged attempt.

While denying any military coup attempt, the Defence Headquarters said the alleged 16 detained security officers are “just being detained and investigated on issues involving professional misconduct.”

The statement said: “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.”

The full text of the statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau,
Director Defence Information, Abuja, reads:

“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 cancellellation 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

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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