The Defence Headquarters has refuted reports alleging an attempted coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade.
Nigeria traditionally celebrates its independence on October 1, but the 2025 ceremony was cancelled, prompting widespread speculation. Reports had circulated claiming that the cancellation was linked to an alleged plot involving 16 dismissed military officers, said to have held secret meetings aimed at overthrowing the government.
According to the reports, the officers—ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General—were detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency for questioning.
However, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, dismissed the allegations in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja. He described the claims as false, malicious, and intended to create unnecessary fear and distrust among Nigerians.
Gusau explained that the decision to cancel the anniversary parade was purely administrative. He stated that it was made to enable President Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and to allow the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to sustain their momentum in ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
The Defence Headquarters assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to democracy and the protection of the nation’s stability and territorial integrity.
