The Nigerian Defense Headquarters has announced its intention to pursue legal action in response to the recent assertion that the Guards Brigade is on high alert due to suspicious movements that have prompted suspicions of a coup plan.
And this is all while acknowledging that the rumor’s true goal is to sow discord in the nation.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, the Defense Headquarters denied the accusation outright.
According to Gusua, the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings, as well as the seat of authority, the Presidency, are formally tasked with protecting by the Guards Brigade.
He asserts that the Guards Brigade has consistently maintained a state of high alertness to ensure the efficient execution of its missions.
Defence Headquarters would seek legal redress on the matter because it has the potential to cause undue conflict in the country. It also called on relevant security agencies to take appropriate action against the source of the story (not Daily Post) immediately.
A statement was issued by the Defence Headquarters regarding an article published online by @SaharaReporters on 25 February 2024. The article claimed that the Guards Brigade was placed on high alert due to suspicious movements, which led to suspicions of a coup plot in Nigeria. The statement was found to be malicious and unfounded. Among other things, the magazine claimed that President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, and the Commander of the Guards Brigade convened an emergency meeting in response to the suspicions.
The Defense Headquarters would like to make it clear that the accusation is completely unfounded. Just so there is no room for confusion, the protection of the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings, as well as the nation’s ceremonial head of state, the President, has been explicitly delegated to the Guards Brigade by statute. The Guards Brigade has, therefore, maintained a state of constant vigilance in order to carry out its missions to the letter.
The unwavering dedication of the Nigerian Armed Forces to safeguarding and sustaining democracy in Nigeria has been reaffirmed by Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa OFR in many forums. So, the Defence Headquarters is saying no to this baseless accusation that the publication is just making up and asking the public to ignore it.
In addition, the Defense Headquarters has issued a statement urging the relevant security authorities to promptly punish the Sahara Reporters for their disloyal behavior. At the same time, the Defense Headquarters will pursue legal action to address the matter, which is intentionally causing unneeded friction in the country.