Amnesty International demands immediate release of Plateau journalist allegedly arrested by military
Amnesty International Calls for Release of Detained Journalist in Nigeria
JOS, Nigeria — Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Lawrence Zongo, a journalist based in Plateau State, who was reportedly arrested by the Nigerian Army on October 5, 2026. His arrest occurred at a military medical facility where he had gone to visit relatives receiving treatment for injuries sustained in an attack in Bassa Local Government Area.
Zongo, a reporter for TruthNigeria and a volunteer with Amnesty International, was taken into custody at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s Third Division in Jos. Since his arrest, he has reportedly been held incommunicado, with the army denying access to both legal representation and family.
“Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention of our member in Plateau State,” the organization stated. “Mr. Zongo must either be handed over to civil authorities or immediately released.”
Conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman confirmed Zongo’s arrest, explaining that he had visited the medical facility to assist family members injured in a suspected attack by Fulani militants. One of his cousins had reportedly died before Zongo’s arrival.
In a post on Facebook, Usman stated, “Zongo has remained in custody without charges. Reports indicate that military authorities are denying him access to lawyers and family members.”
Witnesses allege that Zongo was arrested soon after arriving at the hospital and that his only “offense” was being a rights activist in the barracks.
As of now, the Nigerian Army has not publicly acknowledged Zongo’s arrest nor provided any details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. Calls and messages sent to the Army’s Media Information Officer, Victor Olukoya, seeking confirmation went unanswered by the time of this report.
