The Nigerian Army has said it invaded the offices of Daily Trust Newspapers in Maiduguri and Abuja, to invite the organisation’s journalists responsible for the publication of a classified military operation plans.
In a statement by its spokesman, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman, the army admitted invading the newspaper, but explained that the disclosure of such classified information by the newspaper undermined national security hence the invitation to the reporters who wrote the story.
Recall that military offices alongside policemen invaded the offices of Daily Trust on Sunday in connection with a lead story on a planned military operation to retake some towns recently taken over by Boko Haram terrorists.
The communities are said to be in the Northern Borno town of Baga and its environ.
The faction of the terrorist, belonging to the Al-Banarwi, affiliated to the Islamic State West African Province, ISWAP, reportedly attacked the border town and surrounding communities shortly after the Christmas.
The Military spokesman noted the newspaper’s report put the terrorists on the alert as to the military’s plans, thereby sabotaging the operation and putting the lives of troops in danger.
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Explaining that the invitation was done with the best of intention to make the reporters realise the implications of their action to national security, he cautioned journalists to avoid publications that endanger national security but rather to engage in “their responsive reportage and be professional as the army has no intention of muzzling the press or jeopardising press freedom.’’
“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 not tolerate situation where a publication would consistently side with terrorists and undermine our national institutions.’’
Usman appealed to the media to join hands with the military and other security forces to end terrorism and insurgency in the country.
