The Defence Headquarters DHQ has refuted what it described as a false and misleading report insinuating that the cancellation of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary was linked to an alleged attempted military coup.

A statement by the director defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau further described as unfounded the recent report announcing the arrest of sixteen officers currently under investigation for professional misconduct

The statement stressed that, the claims by the reports are entirely erroneous and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.

The statement affirmed that, the decision regarding the cancellation of the 65th independence anniversary parade was to allow President Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting outside the country and for members of the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum of the fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.

The DHQ reassured 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 and an investigative panel has been constituted and its findings would be made public.

The DHQ urged members of the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by the purveyors of misinformation.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the Constitution and the Federal government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu