By Nanji Nandang
Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted media report of ordering the arrest of retired Cdre Kunle Olawunmi, in relation to his appearance on Channels Television morning show (Sunrise Daily) saying it only invited him to shed light on his claims.
Olawunmi appeared on a Channels Television programme, Sunrise Daily, where he alleged that Nigerian government is fully aware of sponsors of terror in the country, but is doing nothing about it.
The retired military officer was responding to a question on the recent attack at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, where two officers were killed and another abducted by suspected bandits.
In a statement, Director Defence Information, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyarr, says the retired officer, who is on the military reserve list, was only invited via SMS by DIA’s authorities to share the information he has with the agency.
An online media, Sahara Reporters had reported that Mr Olawunmi was declared wanted for allegedly exposing how President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration refused to probe high profile politicians whom Boko Haram terrorists named as their sponsors.
The paper also reported that the retired officer was asked to come to the DIA headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday with his international passport, which may be seized.
The military statement describes Sahara Reporters’ story as “scandalous and malicious” for insinuating that its Agency has ordered the arrest of Cdre Olawunmi (rtd), who shared a personal view on matters of defence and national security.
It explains that the invitation is “to further furnish the AFN with relevant and pressing security information which he may be opportuned to have knowledge of as a Professor of Global Security Studies”
“The said proposed meeting between DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on boosting the fight against terrorism/insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes. He was not asked to come along with his international passport. This in no way constitutes any form of arrest speculated by Sahara Reporters” it added.
The Armed Forces, said it is sad that an online media like Sahara Reporters would capitalize on a proposed meeting between an agency and it’s stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as a draconic government agency acting in a crude manner.
The statement urged the public to note that the AFN is a professional entity that will continue to be responsive to all credible information that will promote peace and unity of the country, the Armed Forces encouraged the retired senior officer to come forward to give valuable information to the military authorities as a patriotic citizen who has served meritoriously in Nigerian Navy in various capacities before retirement.
