Two journalist working for Al Jazeera have been arrested in Maiduguri, Borno State by the Nigerian military.
Ahmed Idris and Mustafa Andy were arrested for loitering in areas close to ‘restricted’ points where military personnel were carrying out combat operations without protection or accreditation.
The military said the movements of the journalists in Yobe and Borno 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”.
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