By Ajewole Joshua|ABNews|October 18, 2025
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked claims circulating in an online publication suggesting that the cancellation of events marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.
In a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, on 18 October 2025, the DHQ described the report as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”
According to the military, the decision to shelve the anniversary parade was taken to enable President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attend a strategic bilateral engagement outside the country and to allow the Armed Forces sustain ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency and banditry across the nation.
The DHQ also clarified that the recent announcement regarding the arrest of sixteen military officers had no connection to any alleged coup plot. It explained that the ongoing investigation was a routine disciplinary procedure designed to uphold professionalism within the ranks.
An investigative panel has already been set up, and its findings will be made public upon completion, the statement assured.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance, the DHQ called on Nigerians to support security agencies and ignore misinformation being spread by what it described as “enemies of the nation.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain firmly loyal to the Constitution and the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement added.
