Nigerian Army warns against unauthorised Biafra Civil War memorials

The Nigerian Army has warned against planned memorial gatherings for civil war victims, which are allegedly being promoted by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) across parts of the South-East and South-South regions.

The Army described the directive from MASSOB as unlawful and capable of threatening peace and stability in the area.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, explained that whilst the military understands the emotions surrounding memories of the civil war, only officially recognised national events should be used to honour fallen heroes. These include Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Independence Day activities.

The statement stressed that remembrance activities must promote unity and national cohesion rather than division.

Furthermore, the military accused certain members and sympathisers of MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of attempting to use the planned memorials to instill fear and incite unrest in the region.

Consequently, church leaders, youths, and residents have been advised not to participate in any unauthorised gatherings linked to the directive.