By Okosun Dennis
Defence Intelligence Agency has denied the allegation ascribed to the agency that it had ordered for the arrest of Commodore Kunle Oluwunmi (retd) over his comment on the security situation in the country especially the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
The Director, Defence Information (DDI), Maj Gen Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr had in a statement on Saturday evening said 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 retired Naval officer had on Wednesday featured on Channels TV morning show “Daily Sunrise” where he castigated the military for its poor management of security guidelines leading to the attack that led to the killing of two officers and one other being abducted.
Part of his statement read that “The Armed Forces may not want to join issues with Sahara Reporters for the scandalous and malicious publication insinuating that its Agency has ordered the arrest of Cdre Olawunmi (retd) 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 Armed Forces of Nigeria with relevant and pressing security information which he may be opportune 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 is very sad that an online media like Sahara Reporters would capitalize on a proposed meeting between an agency and its stakeholder to paint the story in a manner intended to portray the military as a 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 six 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.
Maj Gen Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr used the opportunity 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.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/we-didnt-order-arrest-of-rtd-commodore-oluwunmi-defence-intelligence-agency/
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