The Defence Headquarters had debunked reports that Presidential guards have been put on high alert following unusual movements and suspicions of coup plot in Nigeria.
Sahara Reporters, in a report on Sunday, said that the movement resulted in an emergency meeting by the Commander of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Col. Adebisi Onasanya, President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
“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,” a top Presidency source told SaharaReporters.
Debunking the allegation on Monday which it stated was false, the Defence Headquarters urged relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the Sahara Reporters for this unpatriotic action.
The press release entitled ‘DHQ REFUTES ALLEGATION OF GUARDS BRIGADE PLACED ON HIGH ALERT OVER SUSPICION OF COUP PLOT IN NIGERIA’ reads;
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters 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 an 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 to effectively executive its assigned tasks.
“It will be recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR had in various forums 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 condemns this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of the imagination of the publisher, and encourages 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
25 February 2024
Acting Director Defence Information”
