Amnesty International has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Lawrence Zongo, a Plateau State-based human rights and conflict journalist. Zongo was reportedly arrested on Monday, October 5, 2026, by the Nigerian Army after visiting a military medical facility in Jos to see his relatives who were receiving treatment for injuries sustained in an attack in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.
According to Amnesty International, Zongo, a reporter with TruthNigeria and volunteer with the organization, was arrested at a military hospital within the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba Barracks, the headquarters of the Nigerian Army's 3 Division in Jos. He has been held incommunicado since then, with all efforts to gain access to him denied by army authorities. Amnesty International described Zongo's detention as arbitrary and unlawful.
The organization expressed deep concern over Zongo's arrest and detention, stating that he must either be handed over to civil authorities or immediately released. Amnesty International also confirmed that Zongo was taken into custody while visiting the military hospital to see his relatives, who were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani militants.
Conflict journalist Masara Kim Usman confirmed Zongo's arrest, stating that he had visited the medical facility to see his relatives, who were injured in the attack. Usman wrote on his Facebook page that Zongo was arrested by soldiers at the hospital and has remained in custody without charges. Reports indicate that military authorities are denying him access to lawyers and family.
According to Usman, Zongo had gone to the hospital to assist his cousins, who were attacked on Sunday night in Meyango, Bassa LGA. One of the victims, a first cousin, had died by the time Zongo arrived at the hospital on Monday morning. Usman alleged that Zongo's only "offense" was being a rights activist who visited the barracks wearing Ray-Ban glasses.
The Nigerian Army has not publicly confirmed the reported arrest and detention of Zongo, nor has it given any explanation as to the circumstances that led to the purported arrest. Attempts to confirm the development through the Media Information Officer of the Nigerian Army's 3 Division, Victor Olukoya Victor, were unsuccessful.
Amnesty International's demand for Zongo's release has highlighted concerns over the Nigerian Army's handling of the situation. The organization emphasized that Zongo's detention is a serious concern, particularly given his role as a human rights activist and journalist.
Key points
- Amnesty International demands immediate release of Plateau journalist Lawrence Zongo
- Zongo allegedly arrested by Nigerian Army while visiting relatives at a military medical facility
- Nigerian Army has not publicly confirmed the arrest and detention of Zongo
