The Nigerian Army has categorically dismissed rumors circulating about a possible coup against the administration of President Bola Tinubu as “fake news.” 

Speculations emerged on Sunday, suggesting heightened security measures and suspicions of a coup plot in Nigeria.

The reports indicated that key brigades were on alert, with the Commander of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Col. Adebisi Onasanya, purportedly holding meetings with Tinubu and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. 

However, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information TUKUR GUSAU debunked such claims, branding them as “FAKE NEWS” on their official X page.

“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,” the statement read.

The backdrop of economic hardships, soaring inflation rates, and increased living costs following the recent removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira has heightened tensions in Nigeria.

Recently, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, also cautioned against any notions of a coup and urged people to refrain from entertaining such ideas.