The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports alleging that the recent arrest of sixteen Nigerian Army officers was linked to an attempted coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the claims as false, misleading, and malicious. In an official statement issued late on Saturday, October 18, 2025, and signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the military high command said at no time did it link the officers’ arrest to any coup plot, as being circulated by some online publications. Newsweek Nigeria reports that the statement followed viral reports suggesting that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was related to a purported coup attempt.
The DHQ said the speculation was not only untrue but designed to cause fear, distrust, and unnecessary tension among Nigerians. DHQ: No Coup Attempt Mentioned According to the official release, titled “DHQ Never Mentioned Any Coup Attempt,” the military clarified that the ongoing investigation involving sixteen officers was strictly an internal disciplinary matter. “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 statement read. “The report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.” The DHQ stressed that the claims were entirely false, malicious, and baseless, warning those behind the report to desist from spreading falsehoods capable of inciting public panic or damaging the image of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Why Independence Anniversary Parade Was Cancelled The military also clarified that the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade was not connected to any political or security issue but rather a strategic scheduling decision by the Presidency.
According to the DHQ, the parade was shelved to enable President Bola Tinubu attend an important bilateral meeting abroad while allowing security agencies to focus on ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the country. “The decision regarding the cancellation of the 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 statement explained. Sixteen Officers Under Investigation for Misconduct The Defence Headquarters confirmed that sixteen serving military officers are currently under investigation for alleged breaches of military conduct.
However, it emphasized that their case is part of routine internal disciplinary procedures, not a matter of national security or political instability. “The ongoing investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks,” the statement noted. “An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public upon conclusion.” Military sources told Ejes Gist News that such internal probes are regular within the Armed Forces, especially in cases involving insubordination, misuse of authority, or violation of operational ethics. Officials added that the Nigerian military, being a highly structured institution, treats disciplinary processes confidentially until findings are verified.
Reassurance of Loyalty to Democracy Brigadier General Gusau reaffirmed the loyalty of the Armed Forces to the Nigerian Constitution and to President Tinubu, emphasizing that democracy in Nigeria remains non-negotiable. “The DHQ calls on all peace-loving citizens to continue to provide necessary support to the security agents. The Federal Government, the Legislature, and the Judiciary are working closely for the safety, development, and well-being of the nation. Democracy is forever,” he said. He further urged Nigerians to disregard “falsehoods being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation,” stressing that the Armed Forces would continue to uphold professionalism, discipline, and the rule of law.
DHQ Warns Against Fake News and Propaganda The Defence Headquarters warned individuals and media platforms to desist from spreading unverified information that could endanger national security or undermine military morale.
“The DHQ urges members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation,” the statement added. “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.” The military also reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging that the outcome of the ongoing investigation would be made public in due course. Background: The Arrest Report That Sparked Rumours Earlier this week, some online outlets claimed that sixteen senior and junior army officers were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Tinubu administration. The reports quickly gained traction on social media, with several users linking the arrests to the government’s decision to cancel Independence Day celebrations. However, no official confirmation or evidence supported the coup allegation. The Defence Headquarters has now moved to formally dismiss those claims, describing them as fabrications designed to destabilize the country. Security analysts say that such misinformation can have serious implications for investor confidence, troop morale, and public trust in national institutions. Analysts React to DHQ’s Clarification A retired military officer, Colonel Hassan Adamu (rtd), told Ejes Gist News that the DHQ acted swiftly and appropriately to prevent panic. “It was important for the Defence Headquarters to speak out. Once the word ‘coup’ is mentioned in Nigeria, it raises public fear. Clarifying that the arrests were purely disciplinary was necessary,” he said. He added that the Nigerian military has undergone deep reforms since 1999 to ensure strict loyalty to civil authority and democratic governance. “The Nigerian military today is very different from what it was in the 1980s. The current leadership is committed to professionalism, not politics,” he noted. Public Reaction Following the Defence Headquarters’ clarification, many Nigerians took to social media to commend the military for addressing the rumour promptly. Others called on journalists and bloggers to verify information before publication, noting that irresponsible reporting can trigger unrest in a country with a sensitive political climate.
A public affairs analyst, Dr. Ifeoma Nwosu, said such false reports can damage Nigeria’s global image. “When false coup stories trend online, international media pick them up without context. It paints the wrong picture of instability,” she said. “The DHQ’s clarification is timely and should help calm public nerves.” Commitment to Ongoing Security Operations The DHQ reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remains focused on its constitutional duties, particularly ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits, and violent separatists across multiple states.
The statement emphasized that the AFN’s leadership under the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has prioritized discipline, loyalty, and operational efficiency, making rumours of political involvement both false and unfounded. Security reports indicate that troops continue to record significant successes in the North East, North West, and Niger Delta regions.
Summary of DHQ Statement No Coup Attempt: The DHQ never mentioned or confirmed any coup attempt against President Tinubu. 16 Officers Arrested: Their arrest is an internal military matter related to professional conduct. Independence Parade: Cancelled for administrative reasons — not due to any security threat. Loyalty to Democracy: The military reaffirms allegiance to the Nigerian Constitution and Commander-in-Chief. Warning Against Fake News: Nigerians urged to disregard false media reports and remain calm.
