Nigeria, Oct. 19 -- In its first official reaction since news broke of an alleged coup plot against the Bola Tinubu administration, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the cancellation of some ceremonies to mark this year's Independence Anniversary is not linked to the alleged coup.

Although the statement did not categorically deny that some officers were involved in an alleged coup plot, it said an "ongoing investigation involving" 16 arrested officers "is a routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks."

The military said it had constituted an "investigative panel" to investigate the officers and the finding of the panel "would be made public."

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that...