Army rejects MASSOB’s plan for ‘civil war memorials’ in south-east churches
The Nigerian Army has asked churches and residents in the south-east and parts of the south-south not to comply with the “illegal directive” issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian civil war.
MASSOB had directed churches in the south-east and parts of the south-west to hold special memorial and thanksgiving services for victims of the civil war in May 31, 2026.
The service is part of activities marking the declaration of Biafra by Chukwuemeka Ojukwu in
Reacting to the directive in a statement on Friday, Olabisi Ayeni, acting deputy director at 82 division, said the military recognises the pain and sacrifices of families who lost loved ones during the war, but only officially recognised national events should be used to honour fallen heroes.
“These include the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, and Nigeria’s Independence Day. These solemn occasions provide lawful platforms for reflection, unity, and remembrance,” the statement reads.
“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 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.”
Ayeni said the army was aware that sympathisers of MASSOB and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had issued the directive in an attempt to create unrest in the region.
He warned clerics, residents and youths against participating in the planned activities, saying they were intended to destabilise the relative peace currently enjoyed across the south-east.
“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,” the statement added.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies remain committed to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring peace across the South-East.”
