BREAKING: DHQ breaks silence on alleged coup attempt, opens up on probe of 16 officers

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reacted to report making rounds in some quarters alleging a coup attempt in the country.

The DHQ, in a statement shared on its verified X handle on Saturday, dismissed the report as untrue.

It reads : “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 report also made spurious references to the recent DHQ press release announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to categorically state that the claims by the said publication are entirely false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.

” The decision:regarding the cancellation of 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.

” Furthermore, the DHQ wishes to reassure Nigerians that the ongoing:investigation involving the sixteen officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks.

“An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.”