The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disassociated itself from a viral video showing individuals dressed in military uniforms conducting a guards parade for Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu.
Director of Defence Information Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau told PUNCH on Sunday that the personnel in the video are unknown to the Nigerian military.
“They are not our personnel. We don’t dress that way. We don’t have this type of badge of rank. We don’t know them,” Gusau said.
The video, which has sparked public outrage, shows the president’s son inspecting a military-style parade. Critics have questioned the propriety of granting such honours to a private citizen with no public office.
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar condemned the act, describing it as a “serious breach of military tradition” and calling for an investigation.
In a statement, Atiku expressed dismay over the parade, referring to it as an “anomaly” and a misuse of military protocols.
“It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed upon the President’s son unwarranted military honours,” Atiku said.
He further revealed that the group involved, which identified itself as the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognised entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He raised concerns about the use of firearms by civilians during the parade, emphasising the dangers of illegal arms proliferation.
Atiku urged security agencies to investigate the origin of the parade, the legality of the firearms displayed, and the unauthorised use of military titles. He stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces and holding those responsible accountable if any legal violations were committed.
