The Nigerian Army has urged residents of the South East to shun a directive by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) for Church memorials for victims of the Nigerian civil war, describing it as illegal and aimed at disrupting peace in the region.

MASSOB had directed churches in the South-East to hold memorial services for civil war victims and enforced a sit-at-home on May 30.

In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Diivision Enugu, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, said the directive was not only illegal and provocative, but must be disregarded by all, warning that any gathering or activity outside the framework of lawful national commemorations will not be tolerated.

“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.”

Ayeni reassured the residents, including churches, that they should go about their services and businesses without fear of intimidation as any individual or group that attempt to disrupt public peace or religion activities will face the full weight of the law.

He said that the Armed Forces in collaboration with other security agencies remained committed to safeguarding lives, property, and ensuring peace across the South-East.

Ayeni said the attention of the South East Joint Task force Operation Udo Ka had been drawn to the illegal directive. “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. However, it is important to emphasise that there are already established national occasions legally recognised by the Federal Government to honour our 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,” he said.

Ayeni said while the sacrifices of the fallen heroes will be forgotten, “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.