DHQ Denies Alleged Coup Rumour, Clarifies Reason for Independence Day Parade Cancellation

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebrations to an alleged attempted military coup, describing the claims as false, malicious, and intended to incite public tension.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) explained that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was purely administrative, taken to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country.

According to the statement, the move was also part of efforts to sustain momentum in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the nation.

Brigadier General Gusau further debunked claims that the parade cancellation was linked to the investigation of 16 officers, stressing that the inquiry was a routine internal disciplinary process aimed at promoting professionalism and accountability within the military.

“The investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings will be made public in due course,” the statement noted.

The DHQ urged Nigerians to disregard the false report and continue to support the military and other security agencies in their collective mission to protect the nation’s sovereignty and ensure peace.

Reaffirming its loyalty to democratic governance, the statement emphasized that the Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and progress under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.