Nigerian Army has cautioned churches and residents across the South-East against complying with a directive reportedly issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), calling for memorial services in honour of victims of the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement released on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Headquarters Operation UDO KA described the directive as unlawful and capable of undermining peace and stability in the region.
According to the military, while it acknowledges the pain and sacrifices associated with the civil war, there are already officially recognised national events dedicated to remembering fallen heroes and those who made sacrifices for the country.
“Headquarters Operation UDO KA empathises deeply with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and acknowledge the sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united. The memories of those who paid the ultimate price remain indelible in our national consciousness,” the statement said.
The Army noted that remembrance activities are already incorporated into national observances such as Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration and Independence Day, which it described as lawful platforms for reflection and national unity.
“These solemn occasions provide lawful platforms for reflection, unity, and remembrance,” the statement added.
Operation UDO KA maintained that honouring the memories of those who died during the conflict should be done through recognised channels rather than through directives issued by separatist groups.
“Operation UDO KA remembers with compassion the sacrifices of the fallen heroes which can never be forgotten. However, true honour, lies in unity, peace, and lawful remembrance, not in illegal directives by some irredentists aimed at sowing division and causing panic in the region.”
The military further described the directive allegedly issued by MASSOB as unlawful and provocative.
“The directive by MASSOB is therefore illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all. Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
The statement also alleged that sympathisers of MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were behind the move, warning that it could be used to create tension and disrupt public order in the South-East.
“The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB, IPOB resolved to issue this illegal order to create chaos. Clerics, innocent citizens and youths are therefore strongly advised to stay away from such plans, which are designed to destabilise the peace enjoyed in the entire Southeast.”
The Army reassured religious organisations and members of the public that they should continue with their normal activities without fear.
“Operation UDO KA wishes to reassure the general public, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation. Any individual or group that disrupts public peace or religion activities will face the full weight of the law.”
It also reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces and other security agencies to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property across the South-East region.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring peace across the South-East,” the statement concluded.