The Nigerian Army has declared as illegal a directive earlier issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), asking churches across the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services for victims of the Nigerian civil war on May 30, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, May 29, by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the 82 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the military described the directive as provocative and accused sympathisers of MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of attempting to destabilise the region.
In the statement issued through Headquarters of Operation UDO KA, the Army warned clerics, youths and residents of the region against participating in any activities outside officially recognised national commemorations.
“The attention of Headquarters Operation UDO KA has been drawn to an illegal directive issued by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), directing churches in the South-East and parts of the South-South to hold memorial services in honour of civil war victims,” the statement read.
SaharaReporters had reported that MASSOB directed churches across South-East and parts of South South regions of the country to hold memorial services in honour of those who lost their lives in the Nigerian civil war.
According to MASSOB, the memorial services should form part of events to mark the 2026 May 30 Biafra Remembrance Day, to honour victims of the 1967-1970 civil war.
However, the Army said that while it empathised with families who lost loved ones during the civil war and acknowledged the sacrifices made to keep Nigeria united, such a directive by MASSOB or any other group is illegal.
“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,” Ayeni stated.
“The memories of those who paid the ultimate price remain indelible in our national consciousness,” the statement added.
The military noted that there were already established national events approved by the Nigerian Government to honour fallen heroes, including Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Nigerian Army Day Celebration and Independence Day.
“These solemn occasions provide lawful platforms for reflection, unity, and remembrance,” Ayeni added.
The Army further said that while the sacrifices of those who died during the war would never be forgotten, remembrance should not be used to fuel division in the country.
“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,” Ayeni states.
The military warned that any gathering outside recognised national commemorations would not be tolerated.
“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 Army stated.
“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.”
The Army also reassured churches and residents across the region to continue their normal activities without fear.
“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 military further stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, remained committed to protecting lives and property in the South-East.
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