We didnt order arrest of Olawunmi, Defence headquarter speaks
Says he was invited for more information to assist in fight against terrorism
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims that it ordered the arrest of retired Naval Commodore Kunle Olawunmi.
In a statement made available to Irohinoodua signed by Director, Defence Information Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer
said reports alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired Cdre Kunle Olawunmi for recently appearing on Channels Television programme (Sunrise Daily) were not correct.
“It is gratifying to state that the retired military officer who is on the military reserve list was only invited via SMS and voice by DIA 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” Defence headquarters said.
According to Sawyer, the said proposed meeting between DIA and the retired senior Navy officer was intended to get credible tips on boosting the fight against terrorism and insurgency, banditry and sundry crimes adding that he was not asked to come along with his international passport.
He said it is very sad that an online media 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 draconic government agency acting in a crude manner.
“The general public should please 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 our dear country. As you will recall, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor has just completed his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he interacted with retired military officers with a view to rallying them to lend their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
He said further “in this regard, I wish to use this medium to encourage 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.”
