Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Chris Musa
Military denies receiving request for coup in Nigeria
Amid reports of receiving request for military intervention in the country, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied making such information or claims.
The force, which cleared the air on the reports, Sunday, described as ‘false and disturbing’ media reports crediting it with receiving ‘a request to effect a change of leadership in the country.’
Director, Defence Information at the DHQ, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who made the clarification, in a statement, further added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) ‘never received nor made such declaration at any time to anyone or any group.’
Media reports were rife, last week, of requests made to it by unknown persons to initiate a forceful takeover of government in the wake of the political happenings in the Niger Republic where a coup had toppled the government of civilian president, Mohammed Bazoum on July 26 with the full support of citizens of the West African nation.
“The Defence Headquarters is concerned about a false and disturbing social media reports twisted to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) received a request to effect a change of leadership in the country.
“We want to use this opportunity to reiterate that the AFN never received nor made such declaration at any time to anyone or any group. We believe this statement came from those who do not wish the nation well. It is surely the wicked imagination of a few who are not happy with the progress and well-being of our dear country.
“The AFN is very comfortable with democracy and remains loyal to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The military is always willing and ready to defend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We urge those peddling such falsehood to desist from such or face the law. The Military and indeed other security agencies are on the lookout for these agents of doom. We must all join hands to strengthen our democracy,” the DHQ statement read.
