Military Dismisses Coup Rumors, Vows Legal Action Against Online Publication

In response to recent online rumors suggesting a potential military coup, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has categorically denied the claims, labeling them as false. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, emphasized this stance in a statement released on Monday.

Gusau reiterated the Guards Brigade’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the Presidency and the Federal Capital Territory, highlighting their continual readiness to fulfill their obligations.

While emphasizing the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s dedication to personnel welfare, Gusau condemned any efforts to incite unconstitutional changes in government. He underscored the Defence Headquarters’ intention to pursue legal recourse against the online platform responsible for spreading what he described as unpatriotic misinformation aimed at sowing discord and unnecessary tension within the nation.

The statement reads: “@DefenceInfoNG has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded article published online by SaharaReporters on 25 February 2024 claiming that the Guards Brigade has been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria.

“The publication also asserted amongst other things that the suspicion prompted an emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President and Commander of the Guards Brigade.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false. For the avoidance of doubt, the Guards Brigade has been statutorily assigned the responsibility of protecting the seat of power (The Presidency) and by extension the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

“Hence, it is to be noted that the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively execute its assigned tasks.

“It will be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR had in various fora reiterated the unalloyed commitment of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

“Therefore, the Defence Headquarters strongly condemn this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of the imagination of the publisher and enjoins members of the public to disregard it.

“Furthermore, the Defence Headquarters calls on relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the Sahara Reporters for this unpatriotic action.

“Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters will seek legal redress on the issue which has the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country.”