The Nigerian Army says its invasion of Daily Trust’s offices in Maiduguri and Abuja; the nation’s capital was because the paper had published classified military information, undermining what it called ‘planned military operations against the Boko Haram terrorists’.
The military invaded the company’s offices, arrested its reporters and carted away computers.
The Daily Trust has accused the Military of subverting press freedom by invading its offices, arresting reporters and moving away with its computers.
The military arrested its regional editor in Maiduguri, Uthman Abubakar and its reporter, Ibrahim Sawab.
The military in a release by its spokesperson Sani Kukasheka, a Brigadier General has accused Daily Trust of undermining national security.
“The disclosure of classified security information amounts to a breach of national security and run contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Official Secrets Act. It afforded the Boko Haram terrorists prior notice of our plans and giving them early warning to prepare against the Nigerian military, thus sabotaging the planned operations and putting the lives of troops in imminent and clear danger.
“We would like to state that the invitation of those responsible for divulging military plans was done with the best of intention in order to make them realise the import of such acts to our national security. We therefore advice all, particularly journalists, not to worry but engage in their responsive reportage and to be professional as the Nigerian Army has no intention of muzzling the press or jeopardising press freedom. We however, wish to enjoin further that they should eschew jeopardizing national security in their reportage. We would not tolerate situation where a publication would consistently side with terrorists and undermine our National institutions.
“We wish to appeal to all, especially the media, to join hands with the Nigerian military and security forces to end terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria. We would like to further assure that the invitation is for further investigation and if need be, all those culpable of jeopardising operations security will be prosecuted by the relevant law enforcement agency.
WikkiTimes reports that the Nigerian Military has achieved notoriety in suppressing freedom of the press. In 2013 and 2014, during Jonathan’s administration, the military invaded offices of Leadership and Daily Trust Newspapers, arrested and detained reporters—accusing them of felony and incitement.
