The Nigerian Army has declared a directive by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) ordering churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services for civil war victims illegal and provocative, warning that any resulting disruption to public peace will be met with the full force of the law.
The warning was issued by Headquarters Operation UDO KA on Thursday in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
“The directive by MASSOB is illegal, provocative, and must be disregarded by all,” the statement read. “Any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
While acknowledging the grief of families affected by the civil war, the Army said existing national occasions, including Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Nigeria’s Independence Day, already provide legally recognised platforms for honouring fallen heroes.
“Operation UDO KA empathises deeply with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and acknowledges the sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united,” the statement said. “The memories of those who paid the ultimate price remain indelible in our national consciousness.”
However, the Army was unequivocal that MASSOB’s directive crossed a legal line, accusing the group of acting in concert with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to foment unrest. “The Nigerian Army is aware that sympathisers of MASSOB and IPOB resolved to issue this illegal order to create chaos,” the statement noted, adding that the directive was “aimed at sowing division and causing panic in the region.”
The Army urged clerics, youths, and ordinary citizens to steer clear of any activities tied to the directive. “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,” it said.
Residents and worshippers were meanwhile reassured that regular church services could continue unhindered. “Operation UDO KA wishes to reassure the general public, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation,” the statement said.
The Army added that it was working alongside other security agencies to maintain order across the region. “The Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring peace across the South-East,” it concluded. #Securitynewsalert.com
