16th October, 2021
Major General Bashir Magashi, the Minister of Defence has said that 102 former Biafran soldiers have been captured for payment of gratuity and other emoluments by the Military Pensions Board.
The minister said those captured have also been granted pardon by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He revealed this on Friday at the ministerial briefing to inaugurate the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja.
“It will interest you to know that the Military Pensions Board just concluded the documentation of ex-Biafran service personnel totalling 102 who were pardoned by Mr President.”
“The war ended 51 years ago and many of those involved are no longer alive but those with genuine complaints can come forward with their claims for consideration,” he said.
Magashi said that payment of pension and gratuities to retired military personnel had been prompt and regular.
The minister said the ministry in conjunction with the Military Pensions Board conducts regular verification for military pensioners to check leakages in the system.
He said that the ministry would keep engaging with pensioners through relevant organs to ensure government meets its obligations.