‘Why we arrested Amnesty International reporter’ – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has provided a clarification on the arrest and detention of Lawrence Zongo, a human rights and conflict journalist based in Plateau State. Zongo was apprehended on October 5, 2026, after allegedly entering a military medical facility in Jos to visit relatives who had been injured in an attack in Bassa Local Government Area.

Amnesty International had raised concerns over Zongo's arrest, demanding his immediate and unconditional release. The organization reported that he had been held incommunicado since his arrest at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, the headquarters of the Nigerian Army's 3 Division in Jos. Amnesty International maintained that Zongo had been denied access by Army authorities, disregarding due process.

In a statement on Friday, the Army defended its actions, stating that Zongo was arrested for unauthorized access to the military facility without proper clearance. The Army also denied claims that Zongo was released due to external pressure, emphasizing that it was not under any obligation to free the journalist. The statement revealed that Zongo was wearing Meta glasses, which the military deemed a security breach, while visiting his relatives at the hospital.

The journalist had claimed to be a volunteer with Amnesty International during his visit, but no one in the hospital acknowledged knowing him. This incident added to a series of strained relationships between the Nigerian military and AI personnel.