The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked a report that the Guards Brigade had been put on high alert following unusual movements, leading to suspicion of a coup plot in Nigeria.

The DHQ dismissed the allegation in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday, February 26, 2024.

The military described the allegation in an article published by an online medium on Sunday, February 25, as malicious and unfounded.

The news platform had alleged that the suspicion prompted an emergency meeting involving President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade.

Gusau stated: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false.

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“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 executive its assigned tasks.”

The defence spokesman further recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had reiterated the commitment of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the protection and sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

He added: “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 relavant 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.”

The Star