We’re Loyal To President, Constitution, No Coup Plot, Say Armed Forces

Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau

For the umpteenth time, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Monday, declared loyalty to the Constitution and President Bola Tinubu, saying there was no plan by the armed forces to stage a coup.

The declaration followed reports that a coup plot against the government was afloat.

An online news portal had reported movement of armoured tanks, necessitating increased vigilance on the part of the presidential guards.

But the Defence Headquarters has debunked the alleged development, saying it was a figment of the imagination of the publication.

A statement by Director, Defence Information (DDI), Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said the report was “totally false”.

According to him, “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a malicious and unfounded article published online 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 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 Presidential 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, 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,” it said.

The statement condemned the report and maintained that it was unfounded.

“Therefore, the Defence Headquarters strongly condemn this unsubstantiated assertion, which is just a figment of 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 this unpatriotic action,” said.

Consequently, Defence Headquarters said it would seek legal redress on the issue, which had the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country.

Kingsley Nwezeh