Nigeria Military Breaks Silence on Alleged Coup Attempt Against President Tinubu

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Denies Coup Plot, Warns Against False Information

The Nigerian military has dismissed recent reports claiming that some senior officers planned to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) described the story as false, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to cause tension in the country.

According to the DHQ, no coup attempt or related arrest took place within the Nigerian Armed Forces. The military urged citizens to ignore such reports and warned that spreading fake information about national security could endanger peace and stability.

Military’s Official Response

In a statement issued on Monday, the Defence Headquarters said the allegations were baseless and originated from individuals trying to weaken public trust in the military. The DHQ made it clear that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully loyal to the Constitution and to President Bola Tinubu’s democratic leadership.

“There is no truth in the rumours about a coup plot or arrest of senior officers. Nigerians should disregard the fake story. The Armed Forces remain committed to protecting democracy and the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.

The military also addressed claims linking the cancellation of the Independence Day parade on October 1 to the alleged coup. It clarified that the cancellation had nothing to do with internal instability or security issues.

Why the Coup Rumour Spread

The rumour about a possible coup gained attention on social media after some online reports claimed that 16 senior military officers were arrested for planning to unseat President Tinubu. The story quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, causing confusion and fear among Nigerians.

However, fact-checkers later confirmed that no such arrests occurred, and the information was not supported by any credible evidence.

Political observers say the rumours may have gained traction because of public anxiety over Nigeria’s current economic challenges, rising living costs, and insecurity in some regions.

The Military’s Warning to the Public

The Defence Headquarters used the opportunity to remind citizens that spreading unverified news can threaten national unity. It warned individuals and media outlets to verify information before publishing or sharing.

“Fake news about the Armed Forces is dangerous. We call on Nigerians to work together in protecting our democracy instead of promoting fear,” the military added.

Public Reaction

Many Nigerians on social media have praised the military for addressing the rumour quickly, while others urged the government to improve communication and transparency to prevent misinformation from spreading.

Civil society groups also called for calm, saying that Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by fear or fake news.

What This Means for Nigeria

The military’s strong response shows that Nigeria’s democratic system remains intact despite economic and political challenges. Experts believe that by speaking out early, the Defence Headquarters prevented the rumour from creating further panic.

It also highlights the growing influence of social media in shaping national discussions and the urgent need for Nigerians to rely on verified information from official sources.

Conclusion

There is no evidence of any coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu. The Nigerian military has firmly denied the claim and reaffirmed its loyalty to the government. Citizens are encouraged to support peace, verify news before sharing, and reject misinformation that could harm national unity.