The Defence Headquarters on Saturday discredited the report by an online newspaper, Sahara Reporters over the claim that the Defence Intelligence Agency, (DIA) ordered the arrest of Cdre Kunle Olawunmi (retd).
In a telephone group chat with SpyeTV on Saturday, Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr said, "Olawunmi was only invited through text message to come over as a retired military officer to shed more lights with the information that would assist the armed forces to further fight against terrorism, insurgency and banditry.
He said the alleged report on arrest was false and not true.
Sawyerr added that the invitation extended to the retired senior military officer is in line with Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor's vision to involve retired military personnel to offer professional counsel on likely strategies to adopt in tackling the security threats.
"Also recall that the CDS has just concluded his tour of the 6 Geo-Political Zones where he solicited for the support and cooperation of retired military officers.
He added that, inviting Olawunmi (rtd) is to share experiences and brainstorm on a collective approach towards national security.
The DDI therefore enjoined the media to use their platforms to correct negative impression of the Nigerian armed forces.
The Defence spokesman also noted that, arrest of persons was not part of it whatsoever.
DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY DID NOT ORDER THE ARREST OF RETIRED COMMODORE KUNLE OLAWUNMI
The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to an online news publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) ordered the arrest of retired Cdre Kunle Olawunmi for recently appearing on Channels Television programme (Sunrise Daily).
The Armed Forces 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 Cdre Olawunmi (rtd) for sharing his views on matters of defence and national security.
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.
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 constitute any form of arrest speculated by Sahara Reporters.
It is 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 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.
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.