The Federal Government on Sunday dismissed speculations of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, insisting it has absolute confidence in the Nigerian military.

Naija News reports that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in an interview with Punch, said the Tinubu administration had no reason to doubt the assurances given by the Defence Headquarters, which earlier denied reports linking the detention of 16 officers to a coup attempt.

Idris stated, “The Federal Government has no reason to doubt the military on what it has said.

“The Federal Government believes that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to ensuring the territorial integrity of the country and also strengthening its fight against insecurity. The Federal Government commends the military, and it will continue to support them in their task of ensuring the security of Nigeria.”

On Saturday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, had strongly refuted claims by Sahara Reporters that the detention of 16 officers was connected to a failed coup and the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day parade.

Gusau described the report as “fake and intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

He explained that the cancellation of the October 1 parade was “purely administrative,” noting it was to allow President Tinubu to attend a bilateral meeting abroad while also enabling troops to sustain ongoing operations against insurgency and banditry.

Addressing concerns over the detained officers, Gusau said the process was an internal disciplinary matter.

He said, “The ongoing investigation involving the 16 officers is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks. An investigative panel has been duly constituted, and its findings would be made public.”

Reiterating the military’s loyalty to democracy, Gusau stressed, “Democracy is forever.”