The Nigerian military on Wednesday arrested two journalists working for news television, Aljazeera, in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The
military accused the journalists, Ahmed Idris and Mustafa Andy, of
loitering in areas were combat operations were still ongoing.
The
Defence Headquarters, in a statement, said the journalists were moving
around “restricted areas” in Yobe and Borno States without protection,
accreditation or clearance.
The military said the journalists
were monitored by intelligence operatives and were finally restrained to
their hotel rooms in Maiduguri following increased suspicion that their
activities were focused on interfering with ongoing military operations
in those areas.
“The motive, activities and some materials in possession of these individuals are now being investigated,” the military said.
The
Nigerian military had, last year, warned reporters against unauthorized
movements in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States where it fights extremist
sect, Boko Haram.
The defence headquarters said Wednesday until
reversed, the restriction still stands while appropriate arrangements
will be made to assist duly cleared journalists to report on activities
in the area under military operation “within the limits of adequate
safety, security and necessary procedures”.
Credit: Premium Times
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