Defence Chief

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly denied an online report linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary parade to an alleged coup attempt.

In a press release signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described the publication as “false, malicious, and intended to cause unnecessary tension.” 

The military high command stated that the parade was cancelled to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to attend a strategic bilateral meeting abroad and to enable the Armed Forces to sustain their operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.

The statement also addressed the recent arrest of sixteen officers, clarifying that they are part of a routine investigation for professional misconduct. The DHQ assured that an investigative panel has been constituted and its findings will be made public.

Reaffirming its loyalty, the Armed Forces declared its unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the Federal Government, urging the public to disregard the falsehood being circulated by “purveyors of misinformation and enemies of our nation.” 

The statement concluded with the firm declaration, “Democracy is forever.”

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned that poverty and hunger have escalated into major national security threats, fueling instability and violence across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 14th National Security Seminar in Abuja on Monday, Musa, represented by Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, stressed that modern insecurity extends beyond armed conflict to include economic hardship, food shortages, and social dislocation.

The event, themed “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria,” was organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu stated that the Tinubu administration is tackling the poverty-insecurity cycle through agricultural reforms, social investment programs, and security interventions.

He noted that economic deprivation drives crime and unrest, requiring a coordinated response.

Defence Minister Muhammad Badaru called for a people-centred security approach, addressing root causes like unemployment and social exclusion.

He urged collective action, noting that Nigeria’s challenges demand cross-border cooperation.

AANDEC President Air Commodore Darlington Abdullahi (retd.) highlighted education and economic empowerment as critical to stability, warning that neglecting these areas fuels extremism.

The CDS urged investment in agriculture to revive rural livelihoods and curb urban migration, while Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to long-term solutions for lasting peace.