Nigerian Army Reveals Why It Arrested Plateau Journalist

The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of Lawrence Zongo, a journalist based in Plateau State, due to his unauthorized entry into a restricted military facility and the use of Meta smart glasses, which the military identified as a potential security risk.

This disclosure was made on Friday in response to mounting concerns regarding Zongo’s apprehension and ongoing detention in the city of Jos, Plateau State.

According to Naija News, Zongo was taken into custody on Monday, October 5, after visiting the military hospital located at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, commonly referred to as Rukuba Barracks, in Jos.

Reports indicate that he was there to visit family members who were receiving medical treatment for serious injuries sustained during an attack in Bassa Local Government Area.

In the wake of his arrest, the international human rights organization Amnesty International has urgently called for Zongo’s immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing that he has been held incommunicado since his detention.

This organization, which also recognizes Zongo as a volunteer reporter, has faced difficulties in their attempts to access him, with military authorities having repeatedly denied their requests for visitation.

“Mr Zongo must either be handed over to civil authorities or immediately released,” Amnesty International said in a statement on Wednesday.

However, the Army disputed the impression that Zongo’s release came as a result of pressure from the organisation or other groups. It insisted that the circumstances surrounding his arrest raised security concerns.

The Army’s explanation was shared on social media by conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman, who also gave an account of the events leading to Zongo’s release.

According to Kim, Zongo entered the restricted area without proper clearance while wearing Meta glasses, which the military reportedly viewed as a possible spy camera.

Kim said Zongo identified himself as an Amnesty International volunteer when questioned by military personnel. He added that military police later checked with patients at the hospital, but no one reportedly confirmed knowing the journalist.

The journalist’s account also said the military had considered charging and prosecuting Zongo over suspected espionage.

“The pressure from within was for Lawrence to be charged and prosecuted for espionage,” Kim wrote.

He said Zongo’s release followed interventions by several people and groups, including youth leaders Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri Mandiks and Ezekiel Bini, who reportedly appealed on his behalf and agreed to produce him if required for further investigation.

Kim added that Zongo had been scheduled for transfer to Abuja on October 9 but was released after the interventions. He said the investigation into the journalist’s claims would continue and that he could be asked to return at any time.

The conflict journalist also argued that the case should not be presented as one in which the Army released Zongo simply because of public pressure.

He said the military had security concerns because the journalist was inside a restricted facility wearing smart glasses, at a time when the area was reportedly facing terror threats.

Kim further claimed that Amnesty International’s public statements and threats had made the military less willing to negotiate. These claims were part of his account of the events and were not independently verified in the information provided.

Naija News reports that the Army’s explanation differs from Amnesty International’s position that Zongo’s detention was arbitrary and unlawful.