‘Why we arrested Amnesty International reporter’ – Nigerian Army
Journalist Arrested After Visiting Military Hospital in Jos
A journalist was arrested on Monday, October 5, 2026, while visiting a military medical facility in Jos, Nigeria. Lawrence Zongo is alleged to have attempted to see relatives receiving treatment for injuries sustained in an attack in the Bassa Local Government Area.
Amnesty International, a prominent global human rights organization, called for Zongo’s immediate and unconditional release. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the organization reported that Zongo has been held incommunicado since his arrest at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division.
“Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the arbitrary detention of our member in Plateau State, Mr. Lawrence Zongo, who has been unlawfully detained incommunicado in military custody in Jos since Monday,” the statement read. The organization urged that he either be transferred to civil authorities or released outright.
In response to the growing controversy, the Nigerian Army released a statement on Friday, explaining that Zongo was apprehended for allegedly gaining unauthorized access to the military facility without the necessary clearance. The Army rejected claims that his release was prompted by external pressures, stating it was not influenced by any outside parties.
The military further clarified that Zongo’s use of Meta glasses during his visit was viewed as a significant security breach. Conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman shared insights regarding Zongo’s case on social media. According to Usman, there were suggestions within the military that Zongo should face charges of espionage instead of being released.
Usman reported that Zongo had visited the military hospital to see relatives injured in a recent attack. However, when questioned by military police at the facility, hospital patients denied knowing him, which began a series of complications regarding his detention.
Zongo was initially scheduled for transfer to Abuja on October 9, but following intercessions from various individuals and organizations, he was released. His release is contingent upon ongoing investigations into his claims, and he may still be required for questioning.
It was noted that the circumstances surrounding Zongo’s arrest differ significantly from other human rights cases previously identified by Amnesty International. The organization’s communication with the military during the incident reportedly involved threats that led to an escalation of tensions around his arrest.
