In a clear and direct public statement, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has rejected claims that senior military officers were arrested in connection with a coup plot. The denial comes after online reports alleged that more than a dozen officers had been detained for planning to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government. 

The reports suggested that the cancellation of the country’s 65th Independence Day parade on October 1 was linked to the alleged plot. In its response, the DHQ emphasised that the parade’s postponement was scheduled to allow the President to attend a strategic international meeting, and that operations against terrorism, insurgency and banditry remained ongoing. 

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, stated that the officers currently under investigation—sixteen in number according to some reports are being reviewed for professional misconduct and breach of service regulations, not involvement in any coup. He described the circulating narrative as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.” 

While the DHQ reiterated its commitment to upholding constitutional order and discipline within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), critics point out that media outlets citing unnamed defence-sources claimed that several officers had been detained for involvement in a coup plan, including secret meetings and mobilisation. These outlets suggest there may be more behind the scenes than the official statement reveals. 

Analysts say the controversy highlights how fragile the perception of military discipline can be in Nigeria—a country with a history of coups and attempted overthrows. The rapid spread of online rumours, particularly around high-profile dates like Independence Day, underscores the challenge both government and media face in verifying sensitive security information quickly.

The DHQ has announced the constitution of an investigative panel to examine the conduct of the officers involved and committed to making the findings public in due course. For now, the message is clear: the military is rejecting any suggestion of subversion, and insists the arrests are part of internal disciplinary processes. 

With public attention still high, the situation remains one to watch. Whether further details emerge from the investigation or whether the circulating rumours fade into the background will depend largely on transparency and official follow-through.