- By Halimah Olamide
The Defence Headquarters on Monday ordered a clampdown on an online media organisation, Sahara Reporters over its report on a possible coup by the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian Army had earlier Sunday night described as “Fake News” the report by the onine publication which claimed that members of the elite military wing the Brigade of Guards, had been placed on red alert over a coup attempt.
The report came amidst worsening economic hardship across the country.
The Defence house said its attention was drawn to what it called “a malicious and unfounded article published online.
“The publication also asserted amongst other things that the suspicion prompted 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 in order to effectively executive its assigned tasks.”
The statement which was signed by Brigadier General Tugur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information explained that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR had in various fora 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 condemn this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of imagination of the publisher and enjoins 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.”