Discard False News, No Coup Attempt Against Tinubu - Defense Headquarters Breaks Silence
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that amid reports circulating online alleging that the recent arrest of sixteen Nigerian Army officers was linked to an attempted coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thee Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed such reports, describing the claims as false, misleading, and malicious.
OTN News further reports that the defense who disclosed this in an official statement issued late on Saturday, October 18, 2025, and signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, 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.
OTN News observes that some online news platforms in Nigeria have reported that the force has arrested sixteen officers in connection to a planned coup against the sitting president.
The reports further alleged that the cancellation of activities for the Nigeria's 65th independence anniversary was related to the purported coup attempt by these sixteen Nigerian Army officers.
However, OTN News observes that the force confirmed the arrest of sixteen army officers, but noted that their offense is strictly an internal disciplinary matter.
The DHQ further said that the speculation was not only untrue but designed to cause fear, distrust, and unnecessary tension among Nigerians.
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 statement added.
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).
Furthermore, 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.Presidential campaign merchandise
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.
The Defence Headquarters further confirmed that sixteen serving military officers which were said are currently under investigation are held 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.
However, 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.”
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