The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reacted to an online publication, which claimed that the military intends to overthrow the civilian administration of President Mohammed Buhari.

“This report to say the least is not only baseless and misleading but a dream of those who do not wish the nation well. The story which was attributed to some Niger Delta militants was concocted to achieve cheap publicity and a complete propaganda and diversionary,” the DHQ said in a statement issued by Acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar.

The DHQ described the story as not only mischievous and baseless but was also published with the intent to heat up the polity and cause public apprehension. “The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin wishes to assure our highly respected political leaders and the entire country that the military will continue to be apolitical and will do everything possible to defend and deepen our democratic governance which is the best, acceptable and legitimate form of government the world over.

According to the defence spokesman, the DHQ “restates its total subordination to civil authority and upholding the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to defend all democratic structures and will never yield to blackmail and distractions from fifth columnist. Therefore this unfounded story should be discountenance in its entirety.

The military high command also pledged that “in dealing with the myriad of security challenges across the country, the military will continue to remain focus and deploy every available resources to reposition our forces to carry out their constitutional roles.”

Meanwhile, a new commander has been appointed for Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta. He is Rear Admiral Joseph Osa Okojie who until his present appointment was the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Lagos. His appointment is with immediate effect.

•Photo shows Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar.