NIGERIAN ARMY DECLARES MASSOB MEMORIAL DIRECTIVE ILLEGAL, WARNS AGAINST UNAUTHORISED GATHERINGS
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Agency Report
The Nigerian Army has described as illegal and provocative a directive by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) urging churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian Civil War.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Headquarters of Operation UDO KA said the directive was capable of undermining peace and stability in the region and should be disregarded by residents.
The statement, signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, acknowledged the sacrifices of those who lost their lives during the civil war and expressed sympathy to affected families.
“The memories of those who paid the ultimate price remain indelible in our national consciousness. However, it is important to emphasise that there are already established national occasions legally recognised by the Federal Government to honour our fallen heroes,” the statement read.
The military identified Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Nigeria’s Independence Day as recognised platforms for national remembrance and reflection.
According to Operation UDO KA, genuine honour for fallen heroes should be expressed through lawful and nationally recognised commemorations rather than activities capable of creating division or tension.
“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 added.
The Army further alleged that sympathisers of MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) intended to exploit the directive to foment unrest in the region.
It consequently advised clerics, youths, and residents to avoid participation in any activities that could threaten public peace and security.
“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 South-East,” the statement said.
Operation UDO KA reassured churches and residents across the region of their safety and urged them to continue their lawful activities without fear of intimidation
The military warned that anyone found disrupting public order or interfering with religious activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
It also reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces, working alongside other security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property and maintaining peace across the South-East.
The Army’s reaction follows a directive issued by MASSOB calling on churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services on May 31, 2026, for victims of the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War.
The planned observance forms part of activities marking the 59th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra by the late Gen. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu on May 30, 1967.
MASSOB had also announced a sit-at-home order across the region as part of the commemoration, while urging its members to avoid public gatherings that could result in confrontations with security agencies.
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