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Nigerian Military Refutes Allegations of Coup Conspiracy

© AFP 2023 AUDU MARTETroops from operation Hadin Kai Maimalari line up at the Air Force Base in Maiduguri on December 11, 2023, during Nigerian President Bola Tinubu visit to the start of the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Annual Conference 2023.
Troops from operation Hadin Kai Maimalari line up at the Air Force Base in Maiduguri on December 11, 2023, during Nigerian President Bola Tinubu visit to the start of the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Annual Conference 2023. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 27.02.2024
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During its history of independence, which Nigeria gained in 1960, the country has experienced at least five military coups (the last of which occurred in 1993) and several attempted coups.
The Nigerian Army has vehemently refuted allegations of a coup plot, according to its post on X published last Sunday.

"The Defense Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false," the post read.

This came after US-based outlet Sahara Reporters published an article implying that the Presidential Guard, which provides security for the president, was on high alert because of suspected coup activities. The army called the piece "malicious and unfounded."
The report also claimed that an urgent meeting was held with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
The Army explained that the Guard Brigade is always in a state of heightened combat readiness due to the fact that its duties include the protection of the President and, by extension, the capital and its surroundings.
The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) also urged the public to disregard the "figment of imagination of the publisher."
Moreover, the DHQ called on the relevant security agencies to promptly take the necessary measures against Sahara Reporters for their "unpatriotic" behavior.

"Meanwhile, the Defense Headquarters will seek legal redress on the issue, which has the ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension in the country," the statement concluded.

Earlier this month, President Tinubu instructed the armed forces to safeguard Nigeria's territorial integrity against any threat and commended them for their dedication and selflessness to the nation.
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