Aljazeera journalists arrested by Nigerian military

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”.