Why we stormed Daily Trust offices, arrested journalists —Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has given reasons as to why it invaded the Maiduguri and Abuja offices of Media Trust, publishers of Daily Trust newspapers and arrested some staff.

According to Brigadier General Sani Usman, Director Army Public Relations, the newspaper published stories divulged classified military information, thus undermining national security.

He noted in a statement late Sunday night that the soldiers, in company of some policemen, visited the Daily Trust offices to
“invite the staff of the company over its lead story” on Sunday Trust publication.

Recall that soldiers had stormed the newspaper’s offices in Maiduguri and Abuja, arresting some staff met on ground, while asking for those whose bylines (names) accompanied the story in question.

But Brig. Gen. Usman claimed that the newspaper disclosed details of planned military operations against the Boko Haram terrorists, an action he said amounts to a breach of national security and runs contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Official Secrets Act.

According to him, “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 (sic) where a publication would consistently side with terrorists and undermine our National institutions.

Read also: Arrests, seizure of computers as soldiers invade Daily Trust offices in Abuja, Borno

“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”.

Meanwhile, the federal government has directed that the soldiers be withdrawn from the premises of Daily Trust, adding that the issues will be resolved through dialogue.

Senior Special Adviser to the President in Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu who made this known, said, “The Federal Government has directed the military to vacate the premises of Daily Trust and the order has been complied with.

“Issues between the military and the newspaper as they affect the coverage of the war in the Northeast will be resolved through dialogue”.

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