Nigerian Army explains arrest of journalist Lawrence Zongo

The Nigerian Army has provided an explanation for the arrest of Lawrence Zongo, a Plateau-based journalist and volunteer reporter for Amnesty International. The military stated that Zongo was detained on October 5 after entering the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, a restricted military facility in Jos, without proper clearance.

The Army specifically cited the use of Meta smart glasses as a security risk during his visit to the military hospital within the barracks. Zongo had reportedly been visiting relatives receiving treatment for injuries from an attack in the Bassa Local Government Area.

Amnesty International had condemned the detention, describing it as “arbitrary and unlawful” and noting that Zongo had been held incommunicado. While reports indicate Zongo has regained his freedom following interventions by various groups, the Nigerian Army maintains that the investigation into the security breach continues.