Nigerian military detains journalist Lawrence Zongo

Nigerian military forces arrested journalist and human rights advocate Lawrence Zongo on October 5, 2026, at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment (Rukuba Barracks) in Jos. Zongo, a journalist with Truth Nigeria and a volunteer with Amnesty International, was reportedly detained without charges and held incommunicado.

Zongo was at the military hospital to assist relatives who had been wounded in an attack by Fulani gunmen in Miango, Bassa LGA, the previous night. Reports indicate that one of his first cousins died from injuries sustained in the attack shortly before Zongo arrived at the facility.

Military authorities have allegedly denied Zongo access to legal counsel and his family. Sources suggest his arrest may be linked to his activism, noting that he had previously been detained by military personnel for reporting rights violations.