TheCable

The defence headquarters has debunked a report claiming that the guards brigade has been put on high alert due to suspicion of a coup plot over the prevailing economic hardship.

The guards brigade is responsible for protecting the state house, the federal capital territory (FCT), and its environs.

In a statement issued on Monday, Tukur Gusau, acting director of defence information, said the publication is “malicious and unfounded” as there is no plot of a military takeover.

“The Defence Headquarters wishes to categorically state that the allegation is totally false,” the statement reads.

“It is to be noted that the Guards Brigade has always been on high alert in order to effectively execute its assigned tasks.

“The DHQ strongly condemn this unsubstantiated assertion which is just a figment of imagination of the publisher and enjoins members of the public to disregard it.

“The DHQ has called on relevant security agencies to immediately take appropriate action against the publisher of the article.”

Gusau said the defence headquarters will “seek legal redress” against the publishers, adding that the publication has an “ulterior motive of creating unnecessary tension” in the country.

Gusau said Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, has repeatedly reiterated the commitment of the military to protect and sustain democracy in Nigeria.