The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly dismissed media reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day military parade to an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing such claims as false, malicious, and deliberately intended to sow fear and confusion among citizens.
In a statement released in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the military high command said the decision to cancel the parade was purely administrative, emphasizing that it had no political undertone and certainly no connection to any supposed attempt to overthrow the government.
“The stories making the rounds are completely baseless and misleading. The cancellation of the 65th Independence parade was not due to any alleged coup plot but for strategic and operational reasons. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the Constitution and committed to defending our democracy,” the statement read in part.
Background to the Controversy
The Federal Government had on September 29, 2025, announced that the traditional Independence Day military parade would not hold, citing logistical reasons and the President’s international engagements. However, within days, a series of unverified online reports began circulating, alleging that the parade was canceled because of a suspected coup plot by a group of serving and retired military officers.
According to those reports — notably published by a few online platforms citing anonymous “security insiders” — about 16 senior officers, including a Brigadier-General and a Colonel, were said to have been arrested for holding clandestine meetings aimed at toppling the Tinubu administration. Some reports even claimed that a date had been set for the alleged coup before intelligence operatives got wind of the plan.
These sensational claims quickly gained traction on social media, amplified by fears of political instability across parts of West Africa, where several countries have witnessed successful military takeovers in recent years.
DHQ’s Rebuttal
The Defence Headquarters, however, moved swiftly to quash the rumors, clarifying that the alleged arrests were part of a routine internal process dealing with “breach of service regulations and indiscipline” — a common disciplinary measure within the Armed Forces that, according to Brig.-Gen. Gusau, had been misinterpreted and politicized by mischief-makers.
The statement added that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had ordered an internal inquiry into the matter, with an investigative panel already constituted to verify any infractions. Gusau stressed that findings from the probe would be made public “in due time” to maintain transparency and public confidence.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain apolitical, professional, and loyal to the Commander-in-Chief. We will continue to protect the integrity of our democracy and ensure that no one or group of persons undermines national stability through falsehoods or fearmongering,” he added.
Reactions and Security Context
Security analysts have described the DHQ’s prompt response as a necessary step to reassure the public amid rising regional tensions. Dr. Kabiru Danlami, a national security expert based in Kaduna, told Abuja Network News that the speed with which coup rumors spread underscores “the fragility of public trust in institutions” and the heightened sensitivity following recent military interventions in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
“In an era where misinformation moves faster than official communication, the military must be proactive in its media engagement. Any vacuum will be filled by conspiracy theories,” Dr. Danlami warned.
Analysts also pointed out that the Independence Day parade, though symbolic, often serves as a show of strength and unity between the civilian government and the Armed Forces. Canceling it — even for legitimate reasons — naturally triggers public speculation, especially in politically charged times.
A Delicate Time for Nigeria’s Democracy
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous democracy, has had a history of military coups, the last of which occurred in 1993, leading to the short-lived regime of General Sani Abacha. Since returning to democratic rule in 1999, the military has repeatedly pledged loyalty to the Constitution. However, the recent spate of coups across West Africa has reignited fears of instability spilling across borders.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has also weighed in, urging citizens to disregard fake news and emphasizing that the nation’s democracy “remains stable and unshaken.”
“President Tinubu enjoys the full confidence of the Armed Forces, and there is no cause for alarm. The federal government is focused on delivering its Renewed Hope agenda for Nigerians,” Idris said.
Public Perception and the Role of Misinformation
Observers note that the incident highlights once again the destructive power of unverified social media reports, particularly in matters of national security. With several online platforms prioritizing speed over accuracy, stories such as these tend to circulate widely before official clarifications catch up.
A Lagos-based journalist, Kehinde Oseni, told our correspondent that, “Many of these so-called coup stories are manufactured to attract clicks. Unfortunately, the damage they cause to public confidence can be real and long-lasting.”
Conclusion
As of now, there is no evidence of any coup plot or destabilization attempt within the Nigerian Armed Forces. Both the Presidency and the Defence Headquarters have reaffirmed their commitment to democratic governance, national stability, and transparency in the handling of internal disciplinary matters.
Still, the controversy serves as a reminder of how fragile the line can be between rumor and national panic — and why credible information remains the cornerstone of peace and trust in a democracy still maturing through storms of suspicion.