By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports linking the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the report by an online publication as false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians.
It explained that the decision to cancel the Independence Day parade was taken to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country, while the Armed Forces sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
“The DHQ never mentioned any coup attempt,” the statement clarified, adding that the recent arrest of sixteen officers was part of a routine internal investigation to maintain discipline and professionalism in the Armed Forces.
An investigative panel, according to the DHQ, has been set up and its findings would be made public.
The military urged Nigerians to disregard the falsehood and continue to support security agencies, noting that “the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
Brigadier General Gusau assured that democracy in Nigeria remains sacrosanct and that the Armed Forces will continue to uphold peace, unity, and national stability.