The Federal Government has officially responded to swirling rumours of a failed coup plot, voicing full confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and dismissing the reports as unfounded and potentially destabilising.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s trust in the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), which had earlier denied claims that a group of military officers had been arrested over an alleged attempt to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said,” Idris stated.
“We believe the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to preserving the country’s territorial integrity and advancing the fight against insecurity. The government commends the military and will continue to support their constitutional mandate.”
Background: DHQ Denounces Coup Allegations
The response came after Sahara Reporters published a story alleging that the detention of 16 military officers was linked to a botched coup attempt. The report further speculated that the Federal Government’s decision to cancel the 65th Independence Day celebrations in October was connected to the alleged plot.
In a strong rebuttal issued on Saturday, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, dismissed the story as false, inflammatory, and intended to sow distrust between citizens and the military.
“The report is not only misleading but also capable of creating unnecessary tension,” Gusau said.
“The cancellation of the Independence Day parade was purely an administrative decision to allow President Tinubu attend a bilateral meeting abroad and enable troops to maintain operational momentum in ongoing anti-insurgency campaigns.”
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to democratic governance, declaring:
“Democracy is forever.”
On the detained officers, Gusau clarified that they were undergoing a routine internal investigation, aimed at upholding discipline and professionalism. He assured the public that an investigative panel had been constituted and its findings would be made public in due course.
Opposition Demands Transparency
Meanwhile, opposition parties have demanded greater transparency from the Federal Government and military leadership regarding the detentions. A senior opposition figure, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:
“The government should come clean. We need clarity—what are the charges? Are these officers facing a court-martial? The Nigerian people deserve to know the facts.”
He stressed that the matter, whether true or not, should be handled with transparency as a matter of public trust and national interest.
