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The Nigerian Defense Headquarters has refuted claims by a US-based Nigerian online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, that there were hints of a coup plot in Nigeria to topple President Tinubu’s government within the army ranks.
Sahara Reporters had reported that the “Presidential Guards Brigade had been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicions of a coup plot in Nigeria” but the Nigerian Army says it is fake news.
In a press release posted on the verified handle of the army on the microblogging platform, X, and signed by Brigadier General TUKUR GUSAU, Acting Director Defence Information, the army called the report ‘fake news’ and warned the public to be weary of unconfirmed insinuations.
In its report, Sahara Reporters said that it relied on a top source from the presidency. According to the source, “the suspicions of a coup plot prompted emergency meetings involving the Commander of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Col. Adebisi Onasanya, President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.”
The report also claimed that as a result of such suspicions of coup, “The Presidential Guards Brigade was placed on high alert after unusual armoured corps movement spurred coup suspicion.
“Last week, Col. Onasanya met with the President and Chief of Staff twice within 20 hours.
“They have also placed key brigades under watch due to planned protest,” reported Sahara Reporters.
The Nigerian Army in its counter, said the report was unfounded and totally false.
“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 executive its assigned tasks.” noted the army’s press release.
See the press release by the army in full below:
DHQ REFUTES ALLEGATION OF GUARDS BRIGADE PLACED ON HIGH ALERT OVER SUSPICION OF COUP PLOT IN NIGERIA The attention of the Defence Headquarters
@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 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 executive 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 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.
TUKUR GUSAU Brigadier General
Acting Director Defence Information
Trending Coups in Nigeria’s Neighboring Countries of Niger, Burkia Faso, Guinea and Mali
Nigeria’s neighbours and fellow West African countries have been plagued by a rising trend of military coups since 2023.
Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea have had military take overs via coups, culminating in a recently lifted sanctions by the regional power bloc, ECOWAS.
