The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied an online news publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired Navy Commodore Kunle Olawunmi for recently appearing on a Television programme in Lagos.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria according to a statement signed by Major General Benjamin Sawyerr, Director Defence Information said it may not want to join issues with Sahara Reporters for the scandalous and malicious publication insinuating that it’s Agency has ordered the arrest of Commodore Olawunmi (rtd) for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security.
It added 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.
The said proposed meeting according to the DHQ 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 adding that this in no way constitute any form of arrest speculated by Sahara Reporters.
The DHQ described as very 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 draconic government agency acting in a crude manner.
The DHQ urged the general 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 Nigeria.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor according to the statement 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.
The DHQ urged Commodore Kunle Olawunmi to come forward to give valuable information to the military authorities as a patriotic citizen who has served meritoriously in the Nigerian Navy and in various capacities before retirement.